Template based simulators: An example from manufacturing

It is shown that a template-based simulator can be used to analyze even fairly complex manufacturing situations involving multiple, unreliable work centers, multiple part routings with branching, and multiple material handling systems. First, a generic model was used to describe moving resources, stationary resources, and parts in independent templates. Second, a commercial interface program was used to implement pull down mouse and screen editors. Finally, a simulation `engine´ was designed to incorporate arbitrary material handling systems and part routings