A general model description for discrete processes

Abstract

In this paper, we present an approach for developing a simulation-tool-independent description for discrete processes and for converting such a general model into simulation-tool-specific models. Our aim is to develop models by means of SysML and to build converters from SysML models to models of a large variety of simulation tools. We developed Translator-Plugins for Anylogic, Simcron, Factory Explorer and Flexsim. Based on this architecture, we develop a general model description for discrete processes which permits to create comprehensive scenarios. Modeling can be divided into a structural, a behavioral and a control part. Our main domain is production systems but we show which elements are not domain specific and can be generalized to an approach for a standard to model discrete production planning and control problems. We also test domains like hospitals, logistics and civil engineering.