PPS: an integrated object oriented approach for modelling and simulation of manufacturing systems

This paper proposes an integrated methodology to simulate manufacturing systems. We first present a static modelling approach using the object-oriented technique. This approach is based on some generic classes to model the physical and logical behaviours of the system. We then propose a dynamic modelling approach and the algorithms which represent the dynamic evolution (in relation with time) of the system. We also introduce some dispositions which permit us to progressively refine the system without remaking it. A draft of a library of object classes dedicated to manufacturing systems simulation is presented. Finally, we conclude this paper by highlighting the contribution of the product processing system (PPS) to the different steps of a simulation process (static modelling, dynamic modelling, refinement and object classes)