Simulation models of material delivery systems

One important aspect of JIT (just-in-time) manufacturing is the timely delivery of material from its arrival point at the facility to the point of processing. A simulation modeling method which captures the essentials of this process is described. This method was developed through several applications to actual systems. These applications cannot be modeled by simple simulation modeling constructs. Specialized modeling logic and constructs for truck arrival and unloading, moving material to an intermediate storage area, reloading the truck with empty containers, and feeding the production lines are presented. Several applications are discussed and used to demonstrate the types of issues and problems these models are capable of addressing.< >