An approach to object-oriented discrete-event simulation of manufacturing systems

It is shown how the object-oriented approach can be applied to discrete-event simulation and, in particular, to discrete-event simulation of manufacturing systems. A hierarchical structure of object classes is proposed, consisting of three class libraries: base classes, simulation support object classes, and manufacturing systems simulation object classes. The definition of each class and how the class objects interact with one another are discussed. An example of a discrete-event simulation model developed using the object classes is presented. The example illustrates the basic nature, merits, and drawbacks of this approach