Real time discrete event simulation of a PCB production system for operational support

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how discrete event simulation can support the growing need of information in the production system. Agility, one key to future competition, is the ability to quickly manage and compensate for disturbances and uncertainty. It is achieved by combining flexible production technologies with a flexible and motivated workforce. To quickly respond to the demands from customers and compensate for internal disturbances, it is necessary to have information which supports decentralized decision making in target oriented teams. Discrete event simulation is a tool that can be used to generate customized information for decision support. The results from a case study at ABB Industrial Systems in Vasteras, Sweden, show the possibility of using simulation and real time forecasting for operational support in target oriented teams.