Production Line Modelling in Accordance with the Industry 4.0 Concept as an Element of Process Management in the Iron and Steel Industry

Abstract

Simulations are becoming one of the most important techniques supporting production preparation, even in those industrial sectors with atypical technological processes, such as in metallurgy, where there is a multiphase material flow. This is due to the fact that in the conditions of a market economy, enterprises have to solve more and more complex problems in a shorter time. On the basis of the existing production process and the knowledge of the flow characteristics in a given process, a model is built, which, when subjected to simulation tests, provides experimental results in the scope of the defined problem. The use of computer techniques also creates new possibilities for the rational use of the reserves inherent in each technological process. Taking into account the existing demand and the state of modern technology, the computer model can be a source of information for further analysis and decision-making processes supporting company management. At work a model of the logistic system was made on the example of a hot-rolled steel strip mill, on which simulation experiments were carried out to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the analysis production line. The presented article aims to disseminate the idea of Industry 4.0 in Polish companies from the manufacturing industry sector, taking into account simulation techniques.