SIMUL8-planner for composites manufacturing

SIMUL8-PLANNER is a simulation-based planning and scheduling tool that intelligently sequences product flow across the plant. Combining order planning with production modeling, SIMUL8-PLANNER can generate production schedules that satisfy delivery objectives and capacity limits. This paper examines a case study where the SIMUL8-PLANNER tool was used to answer the complex scheduling problem of sequencing part requirements through a Composites Manufacturing Center. First a production model was used to capture the current workings of plant processes and product flow. Next, a sequencing system was added to the production model in order to provide a powerful, flexible, and adaptive scheduling system for all of the work cells and machines within the facility, complete with links to the company's ERP / shop-floor data systems. SIMUL8-Planner provides a practical approach and powerful platform for developing, testing, and refining production schedules before they are released to the shop-floor in a virtual and risk-free setting. It offers a flexible and open scheduling system that can be used for a wide range of production scheduling applications.