Simulation-based decision support system for an assembly line

An application of simulation in the ship building industry is presented. The model is part of the decision support system designed and built to help the programmers develop both weekly and long term assembly plans. The DSS is a mixture of spreadsheets and a simulation model where the worksheets act as the interface between the factory database and the model. A simulation optimization methodology that includes expert input to provide a robust initial solution is also incorporated into the system. The paper presents as well how the different knowledge groups (simulation specialists, production planners, in-house system developers, plant and factory managers) interact in the development and the maintenance of the application.