The use of discrete events simulations in factory wide control

Factory-wide control is concerned with the integration, control and management of the whole of the business and production process. The paper describes significant new developments in the design of these systems, focussing on S Plan, a system operating at Wiggins Teape´s Stoneywood paper factory. It translates orders into work programmes for production centres, and accepts feedback from the shop floor. It functions in real time. It provides for simulation of system operation. It also updates shop floor schedules about once an hour on the basis of feedback