Multimodal Approach to Modeling of Manufacturing Processes

This paper discusses issues related to the analysis of manufacturing processes using multimodal approach. The author has identified a deficiency gap in the standard languages for modeling production and manufacturing processes, justifying the need for multimodal approach. Multimodal processes in the supply chain (production phase) in the automotive industry are identified. The paper presents results of research performed recently in the area of manufacturing process design, modeling and simulation. The definition of process modeling and simulation is presented taking into account effects of the time variable (static and dynamic). Standard languages and an approach to selection of the most suitable one to model manufacturing process are described. This analysis is based on research performed both generally in Europe and locally in Poland. The multimodal approach as a new modeling and simulation paradigm is outlined. An illustrative case study from automotive industry is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V.