Discrete event simulation-based real-time shop floor control

To remain competitive in increasingly changeable markets, companies need to be reactive. They must often face unforeseen events, such as a cancellation or a modification of order, taking into account rush order, random interruptions of the production system, etc. This requires, in particular, a real time Production Activity Control (PAC) in order to deal with emerging critical events. We distinguish two types of production activity control: reactive control and corrective control. Reactive control is rather intended to anticipate the disturbances, whereas corrective control intervenes following an unanticipated event. Among all the software used in industry for real time shop floor control and the decision-making aid, we are particulary interested in Discrete Eevents Simulation (DES) coupled to Manufacturing Execution System (MES). In this paper, our objective is to show the interest to use 'On-Line Simulation' for real-time production activity control. We will also detail the designed functionalities and the features of such a tool.