The role of discrete event simulation in the improvement of manufacturing systems performance

Many studies have been presented discussing the use of Discrete Event Simulation (DES), This paper presents an overall view on the use of simulation, as a technique to improve manufacturing competitiveness. Considering the several functions that can be identified within a manufacturing system, DES roles will be presented. The benefits of simulation will be demonstrated with two case studies developed in Portuguese industrial companies. A new application area of DES is being developed at IFS and INETI. It will be presented the possibility of using DES, integrated with traditional functions within a company, to support process planning together with manufacturing planning and control, in a simultaneous engineering environment.