The use of a generic simulation model in evaluating manufacturing processes

In recent years the application of simulation models to analyze the production capabilities of manufacturing processes has been increasing at IBM's Poughkeepsie plant. To avoid major programming effort for each new application, a generic simulation model was developed. The model, written in SIMPL/1 (Simulation Language Based on PL/1), was designed in modules defined on a functional basis. This language was chosen because it allowed full use of the PL/1 programming language, reduced the excessive run times experienced with large, specialized GPSS models, simplified the procedure for making input changes and provided output that could be easily interpreted by the non-programmer. The input data bases are user-oriented so that changes can be made to the system being modeled without programming support. The output generated by the model can provide the user with information on resource utilization, major process bottlenecks, overtime requirements, process throughput and process cycle time. This data is evaluated by the user to determine how well the process functions under given operating conditions so that cost effective decisions can be made. An example is provided on the model's application to a logic and memory card assembly process.