Design of experiment base scenario analysis in discrete event simulation of multi-path manufacturing system

Analysis of a complex multi-path manufacturing system requires a simulation model. After model construction, it requires unique equipment inputs. Inputs consist of equipment cycle time (ECT), mean time before failure (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR). These inputs should be distributions that incorporate the randomness of the system. Typically simulation models are developed based on some underlying assumptions and inputs from past system performance indexes. This research proposes a new method of transforming a current simulation model to reflect actual system behaviour at various time-periods accurately. Key model system inputs were incorporated into a design of experiment (DOE) to extract levels that reflected system behaviour on particular dates. Comparing model input vs. actual manufacturing system performance confirmed simulation model validation.