Benefits of Using Simulation within Appropriate Manufacturing Organizations - Essay Example

Simulation Table of Contents Introduction 2 2.Benefits of using simulation within appropriate manufacturing organizations 3 3.Barriers that may prevent or make the use of simulation ineffective 3 4.Factors that you would consider towards selecting appropriate simulation software for use within a manufacturing organization 5 6.Presentation 7 7.Conclusion 8 8.References 9 1. Introduction Simulation is the replication of real world events, operations and processes to models. It involves the creation of a simulated history of a system whereby the study of that simulated system is used in making observations concerning the operating attributes of the real world system. Computer simulation has been in use for decades and it has been essential in solving a number of business issues (Heilala 1999, p.2). It has been carried out in manufacturing sector to solve a number issues associated with production. Manufacturing systems involves several systems that are interrelated. The process design of a manufacturing system is critical and may need minimal errors for proper execution. Simulation plays a significant role in the manufacturing that would ensure that production flow is well facilitated. 2. Benefits of using simulation within appropriate manufacturing organizations Simulations are usually conducted using lesser expenses, resources and time rather than just experimenting to develop uncontrolled designs. This is essential in avoiding carrying out experiments with the real system that can lead to substantial wastage. The results that are obtained from the model can be used as guidance after thorough analysis. The results obtained from the modelling are also significant in informing the changes that are seen in various manufacturing processes. The capital expenditures and system constraints can also be controlled as a result of the implementation of the simulation process (Nutaro et al. 2008, p.98). Simulation models address various issues concerning the manufacturing industry. Some of the most basic issues that are addressed through the use of models include the need to have the appropriate quantity, the right number of employees, performance evaluation, operation procedures and equipment usage. 3. Barriers that may prevent or make the use of simulation ineffective All competitive organisations need to work hard to ensure that they maintain their customers and win the hearts of new customers. They need to understand their product designs and how to make the products to their customers. This is because the products are found in the real world and the customers need the best experience they can get to enjoy the products they acquire from firms. There are a number of challenges and barriers that are associated with the implementation of simulation in firms (Nutaro 2013, p.38). These barriers are as follows: The cost of developing a working model may be high for some firms, thereby rendering the firms incapable of developing faultless products. Marketing challenges; Companies that are unable to develop models for their products find it difficult to market their products across different platforms and to reach to a wide customer base. Lack of experts to develop simulation models is a challenge for most firms. It is so because the development of models is always associated with experts who are well trained in simulation and modelling. It is only very large organisations that are capable of paying the services of experts who are rear to find. The lack of training and knowledge to understand the issues revolving around the use of simulation in developing models (Macredie 1998, p.79). Simulation knowledge requires extensive and a significant amount of specialization to enable their proper implementation. Knowledge and training is significant in simplifying the various product designs that firms are in the process of developing. Inadequate technology is also another barrier to the development of models and simulation. This is as far as the use of hardware and software models is concerned. Lack of computer software is a barrier because software is fundamental in the development of simulated models of various systems (Cellier & Kofman 2006, p.107). The simulated software normally receives substantial data that is fed into the system to develop an appropriate model for a system. The lack of Computer aided design plays a significant role in directing the development of system models that are necessary for developing new products. The simulation technologies such as 3D modelling software are essential for the development of suitable system models of new products (Lenhard et al. 2006, p.131). There is a substantial unwillingness by personnel from different companies who are resistance to the use of computer based modelling systems. This may be as a result of inadequate resources that are installed within organisations to train personnel on the use of automated systems. 4. Factors that you would consider towards selecting appropriate simulation software for use within a manufacturing organization Factor Reason(s) for Selection Reference(s) Factor 1 Minimal mismatches with basic processes and production requirements Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 2 Minimal mismatches with various accounting and control procedures Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 3 Ability to provide alternative procedural paths for production Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 4 The ability to incorporate flexibility that would lead to change in the development environment. Macredie, R. 1998. Modelling for added value. London; New York, Springer. Factor 5 The ability to consider scarcity of available resources also plays an essential role in the treatment of simulation models. Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 6 The ability to perform on the process modelling while in storage is also an essential factor to consider. Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 7 It is essential for the software to have the ability to withstand unpredictable development behaviours that may be witnessed in the development process. Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 8 The ability to simulate complex design processes that May be expensive when developed in real life. Macredie, R. 1998. Modelling for added value. London; New York, Springer. Factor 9 It is essential for the software to incorporate the effect of various Complex events. Guide to Software Selection [SS]. http://www.uh.edu/~lcr3600/simulation/guide.html Factor 10 The ability to incorporate and close the gap between conceptual designs to design models through the use of various tools including the Computer Aided Design. Cellier, F. E., & Kofman, E. 2006. Continuous system simulation. New York, NY, Springer. 5. Usability of simulation software towards simulating energy utilization of manufacturing resources. Usability of software is its ability to meet the end user’s requirements. A usability test is conducted to ensure that commercial software meet all the user requirements. Usability is usually conducted by experts who do the job once developers are through with the creation of the interface of the software (Satter et al. 2007, p.113). The usability of the software determines the likelihood of the software users to have an easy time working with the software. This means that the interface of the software need to user friendly in various aspects. The usability of the simulation software means that the functionality and features are well coordinated for the benefit of the user. A test design is conducted to ensure that everything works as per the requirements of the usability software. It is essential to have representatives of the main stakeholders including developers and users to during the usability software testing process. Iterative testing is sufficient to ensure that every component of the simulation software is working and usable for the users (Marcus 2011, p. 115). Iterative testing is conducted on all the components before they are all integrated as a single unit to ensure that they meet all the user requirements. The results of the testing process need to be consistent with the evaluation results that were also conducted on the simulation software. Accuracy is an essential attribute in the usability of the simulation software as far as the involvement of the end user is concerned. 6. Presentation The diagram below is a presentation of a simulation and modelling situation. Source: Nutaro, J. J. 2013. Building software for simulation theory and algorithms, with applications in c++. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. http://rbdigital.oneclickdigital.com. 7. Conclusion In conclusion, simulation has played an essential role in the manufacturing sector, leading to a leaner, well facilitated manufacturing system. The barriers to simulation include high cost of developing simulation software, and lack of experts to aid in system development. The ability to demonstrate high flexibility, and minimize mismatches in production processes are some of the factors one ought to consider when acquiring simulation software. The usability of the software is also essential especially in end user interaction. This is assured by a usability test that is meant to check if all the customer requirements are met. 8. References Cellier, F. E., & Kofman, E. 2006. Continuous system simulation. New York, NY, Springer. Lenhard, J., Küppers, G., & Shinn, T. 2006. Simulation pragmatic construction of reality. Dordrecht, Springer. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=372744. Marcus, A. 2011. Design, User Experience, and Usability. Theory, Methods, Tools and Practice First International Conference, Duxu 2011, Held As Part of Hci International 2011, Orlando, Fl, USA, July 9-14, 2011, Proceedings, Part II. New York, NY, Springer-Verlag. Macredie, R. 1998. Modelling for added value. London; New York, Springer. Nutaro, J. J. 2013. Building software for simulation theory and algorithms, with applications in c++. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. http://rbdigital.oneclickdigital.com. Profes, Jedlitschka, A., & Salo, O. 2008. Product-focused software process improvement: 9th international conference, PROFES 2008, Monte Porzio Catone, Italy, June 23-25, 2008 : proceedings. Berlin, Springer. Heilala, J. 1999. Use of Simulation in manufacturing and logistics systems planning. VTT manufacturing Technology, Accessed 25 Feb 2014. From Satter, A., Iqbal, G. M., & Buchwalter, J. L. 2007. Practical enhanced reservoir engineering: assisted with simulation software. Tulsa, Okla, PennWell Corp. Read More