Rapid prototyping of manufacturing systems using an integrated tool box

Presents a toolbox for rapid modeling and analysis of discrete manufacturing systems. Spreadsheets from the database and most fundamental analysis tool for basic calculations. Analytical Modeling provides the user with a powerful tool to study the dynamics of manufacturing systems: with this tool, models can be built in hours and each “what-if” is analyzed in minutes. Simulation Code Generators allow almost instantaneous conversion of the analytical model into simulation code. Simulation Languages provides detailed modeling abilities in a package designed for the industrial user. Finally, Animation gives manufacturing analysts the power to present their results to co-workers and management in a convincing manner. All of these tools are commercially available and designed to work together. Manuplan II analytical modeling has a Lotus 1-2-3 interface, SimStarter simulation code generators can connect Manuplan II and Siman or Slam, and each of these simulation languages can be accompanied by powerful animators. Using this integrated set of tools, analysts can rapidly investigate decision in all stages of the design and operation of manufacturing systems. This leads to cost-effective and timely analysis of manufacturing decisions, and hence to greater productivity and improved competitive position of the manufacturing enterprise