Rapid data collection in the simulation of manufacturing systems

This paper summaries the research work undertaken on input data modelling for the simulation of batch manufacturing system. It describes the development of a data reference model using IDEF1X data modelling language and a step-by-step approach through the simulation life cycle to identify and collect required data for a model more quickly. The purpose of this reference model is to describe the interaction between various data groups relating to items such as parts, resources and some aspects of system logic. This model has been developed and refined using data collected from real industrial situations. The models shows the major entities (data groups) with their attributes and relationships. This model was then translated into a normalized relational database. Having developed the data model, the appropriate sequence of collecting data was identified. A step-by-step approach has also been devised to support the simulation practitioners. The reference model was extended to link it into real data sources so that the practitioners could identify the most suitable source of data for their requirements.