Simulation based validation of real time control rules in discrete materials handling systems

A validation study of analytical models designed to provide system designers with instantaneous feedback on the capacity effects of alternative dispatching policies in discrete materials handling systems is described. The analytical models are summarized. The simulation based validation models are outlined, and results based on a sample problem from automated guided vehicle systems are presented. The clear implication of these results is that the performance of the models could be improved significantly by addressing fleet size.<<ETX>>