Integration of Simulation , CAD Systems and Database in the Design of Production and Logistic Systems

Abstract

Nowadays there is great pressure on production systems design to be developed rapidly and efficiently. For these purposes several software tools have been used – mainly for project analysis, design and validation. Nevertheless, these tools have been used with low integration levels, including absence of data coherence, and lack of layout optimization. This work deals with production systems design, and more specifically, with the integration of commonly used software tools into unified system architecture. The paper identifies a variety of tools, describing their functions and principles of integration. It also addresses the way this integration enables automatic generation of simulation models and different patterns of production layouts. A short application example, based on a cement production factory, is presented. This example permits a complete comprehension of both integration of data and automatic generation of programs. Advantages and disadvantages of the suggested approach are discussed.