Simulation-based real-time performance monitoring (simmon): A platform for manufacturing and healthcare systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a new technology platform that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of simulation modelling projects. A recently developed platform that integrates data acquisition management platform (primary models) and post simulation performance analysis models (synthesis) is described. The use of real-time discrete event simulation modelers as a vehicle is proposed. In recent years we have suggested a number of solutions to integrate shopfloor data with higher level information systems. All these solutions lacked two key capabilities. Firstly, the solutions were not capable of interacting with data acquisition systems without expert interference in determining the quality and quantity of input signals. Therefore, connecting input signals to key performance indicators (i.e. simulation parameters) was extremely challenging and error prone. Secondly, from health workers? and plant managers? perspective, simulation results (e.g. resource utilization, waiting times, work-in-process, etc.) did not correspond to industry performance metrics. SIMMON is proposed here to address these two problems.