Simulation and graphical animation of advanced manufacturing systems

Automated production systems, known as Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), offer a promising solution for the low productivity of mid-volume, mid-variety batch production. These systems consist of integrated machine modules and material handling equipment under computer control.This paper describes a general purpose discrete-event Flexible Manufacturing Systems Simulator (FMSSIM). The package is programmed in FORTRAN and is capable of simulating different configurations, material handling systems, and topologies including bidirectional tracks. The simulator checks blockage of routes due to interference of carts and simulates random failures and repairs of the various components in the system. The simulator provides the user with a wide range of priority rules to select from, and enables the user to define his own rules if required. The simulator produces reports on various vital system performance statistics and also displays the movement of parts through the system on a refreshed CRT. This simulator is a modular, user-oriented package which allows the designer to evaluate a wide range of systems with varied design parameters and select an efficient flexible manufacturing system. Some general trends in the behaviour of the flexible manufacturing systems are identified and guidelines for their design and operation are suggested.