Introduction
Would you buy a car without a test drive; so why implement a new logistics system
without testing it? With computer simulation modeling software you can do just
that: test drive your factory, warehouse or distribution center operation before finalizing
the system design. When test driving a new car, you select the route you travel
based on the features of the car that you want to exercise. Similarly when constructing
a simulation model, the ‘route’ is selected depending upon the objectives
of the study.
Figure 1 displays four different simulation categories (chevrons), the potential system
components (boxes) and the component interface points (double-headed arrows).
The Mechanical System component includes all material handling equipment.
The scope of the different categories is depicted by the semi-transparent objects
(ovals and triangle). Simulations can range from a simple Concept Animation to a
highly complex Operational System Capability Study.
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