A Method of Evaluating Distribution Systems.

It is required to consider efficiencies of distribution of luggages when a factory is designed or a job scheduling is made. Various simulation methods for checking efficiencies of transporting luggages have been developed. However, designers have to analyze the results by themselves whether the design or the scheduling is acceptable or not. A new simulation method with a function for detecting problems in the design or the scheduling is presented. This method consists of the following three procedures. (1) Obtaining a result by a conventional simulation method (e.g. discrete event simulation method). (2) Simulating by the new simulation method named Time-Skipping method. (3) Comparing those two results. If there are differences between them, some problems exist in the design or the scheduling. Two types of conveyor systems for transporting luggages have been tested by using this new simulation method. The results show that this new Time-Skipping method can be used for evaluating distribution systems and job scheduling.