Page 283 - DCAP601_SIMULATION_AND_MODELING

Unit 14: Simulation Languages (II)

4. Pathmover (floor conveyors) Notes

5. Bridge Crane (bridge cranes)
6. Power and Free (trolley conveyors)
7. Tanks and Pipes (liquids etc.)

8. AutoTruck (transport vehicles)
Extension Programs

1. AutoView (animated films)
2. AutoStat (experiments, statistics)
3. Model Communications (data exchange)
4. ToolSim (quick simulator)

eM-Plant

To build a realistic simulation model is all very well - to add real value you must identify the
major difficulties and generate better alternatives. Tecnomatix Technologies, developers of eM-
Plant, the object oriented simulation tool for discrete event simulation, planning and optimization
of production and logistics, are the world leaders of the e-Manufacturing market. eM-Plant is
used across many industries from manufacturers like BMW and Daimler-Chrysler through
shipyards to international finance. Experience from all these areas inspired the development of
analysis and optimization tools as an integral part of the simulation objects that continuously
monitor and evaluate the operation of each simulation object and its interactions at a local and
global level. Thus, for example, bottlenecks in a material flow are automatically detected and
Sankey diagrams generated. This object based approach fits closely with the object-oriented
nature of eM-Plant that allows unprecedented accuracy and re-usability in simulation modeling.
These analysis tools work with global evaluation wizards which, for example, make it simple to
create specific Gantt-charts etc., and using Genetic Algorithms modules the simulation system
can even propose better layouts or operating strategies.

Arena

Arena is a discrete event simulation software simulation and automation software developed
by Systems Modeling and acquired by Rockwell Automation in 2000. It uses the SIMAN processor
and simulation language. As of 2010, it is in version 13.0. It has been suggested that Arena may
join other Rockwell software packages under the “FactoryTalk” brand.
In Arena, the user builds an experiment model by placing modules (boxes of different shapes) that
represent processes or logic. Connector lines are used to join these modules together and specifies
the flow of entities. While modules have specific actions relative to entities, flow, and timing, the
precise representation of each module and entity relative to real-life objects is subject to the
modeler. Statistical data, such as cycle time and WIP (work in process) levels, can be recorded
and outputted as reports.
Arena integrates very well to Microsoft technologies. It includes Visual Basic for Applications
so models can be further automated if specific algorithms are needed. It also supports importing
Microsoft Visio flowcharts, as well as reading from or outputting to Excel spreadsheets and
Access databases. Hosting ActiveX controls is also supported.

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