Using simulation for capacity planning in a transportation system

The management of capacity is recognised as a main responsibility of the operations manager (Slack et al.1995) and simulation has been described as an ideal tool to allow the exploration, of various strategies for optimising capacity use (Chaharbaghi 1990). This paper describes the construction of a simulation model of a proposed rail vehicle maintenance depot in the UK. The company who were bidding to operate the depot had traditionally been involved in manufacture and so had no experience of either operating such a facility or meeting the type of performance indicators specified in the service-level agreement. The simulation proved successful in providing a greater understanding of the operation of the depot and the effect of various strategies for meeting demand. It also proved to be an excellent communication tool during the bid process in helping to show capability to the client in meeting proposed service level targets. With the provision of a suitable menu system and training the model could then be used on an 'on-going' basis.