Optimum-seeking simulation in the design and control of manufacturing systems: experience with OptQuest for Arena

This paper presents some of my experience in applying a commercial optimum-seeking simulation tool to manufacturing system design and control problems. After a brief introduction to both the general approach and to the specific tool being used, namely OptQuest for Arena, the main body of the paper reports on the use of the tool in tackling two manufacturing system design and control problems, one very simple and one significantly more complex. The paper concludes with some material highlighting how easy the tool is to apply to this kind of problem and also presents some thoughts on how the tool might be enhanced to improve its value.