An object-oriented simulation language for master production scheduling in a flexible manufacturing environment

This paper introduces a new object-oriented simulation tool that has been developed to support integrated materials/capacity requirements planning and master production scheduling. Among its unique capabilities are its ability to support the implementation of global, system-wide controllers and to model several potential approaches for achieving flexible manufacturing. In the latter respect, this simulation tool supports multiple bills-of-material and alternative process plans for each manufactured item. The application of the new simulation tool to a real-world example is discussed as well as future plans to expand the capabilities for the tool.