Simulation-based benchmarking of production control schemes for complex manufacturing systems

In this paper, benchmarking efforts for production control approaches applied to complex manufacturing systems are described. Complex manufacturing systems are characterized by a large number of products, an over time changing product mix, sequence-dependent set-up times, unrelated parallel machines, a mix of different process types, and internal and external disturbances. In order to ensure comparison possibilities among different production control approaches, the usage of a simulation test-bed and a software architecture that allows for plug in of different production control software are suggested. Different application areas, the advantages, and also the limitations of the suggested approach are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.