Dynamic simulation
Trying a car before buying it is a judicious decision. Before investing millions of euros in a new distribution center, you should try how it works. Today it is possible. Thanks to its experience in the dynamic simulation, Simco is able to create the project of a warehouse directly on a PC and observe its behavior, thus allowing to determine if it is necessary to make changes to the lay out before making the real investment.
Main areas of intervention
- Control and optimization of the stocking and handling system lay out (traditional and/or automated) both during the feasibility and the detailed project phase. The purpose is to determine and remove any bottlenecks as well as to optimize investments (value engineering);
- Check and optimization of the strategies and tactics for the right use of the stocking and handling systems to be later implemented in the operating management or automation control software programs, such as: setting policies, picking optimization, assignment of missions to the trolley operators or the AGVs according to the different uses (average day, peak day, mix unbalances, breakdowns etc.);
- Control and optimization of the ways to plan and manage production, machine loading etc.;
- Planning of the daily activity of a Distribution Center, controlling the effect of different alternatives in the use of the available resources, thanks to a detailed model;
- Emulation of coordination and/or field software and hardware to tune up such systems “blank”;
- Comparison between the performances theoretically reachable by the present system and those really attained (benchmarking);
- Sophisticated 3D animated presentation of the studied systems.
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the method
Definition of goals, gathering of data and validation of the conceptual model
Different models can be created for each system according to the goals to attain. A simulation requires accurate inputs (flows, performances, management regulations etc.) and therefore the gathering of data is a very delicate phase. The conceptual model has the purpose of having the whole project team share the scenarios to be checked as well as hypotheses and assumptions.
Development of the SW model
and project of the experiment campaign
Once the conceptual model has been “translated” into the simulation language,
the scenarios to be tested as well as the expected degree of confidence to compare the output results are defined; then, the number of runs to be launched is estimated.
Output processing and their interpretation
The double competence of Simco is precious in this phase, that is the logistic one and its expertise about simulation techniques; the added value we give our Customer is actually our ability to transform numbers into project solutions.
Presentation of results and recommendations
Even the best study turns out to be useless if isn’t able to “communicate” its results. This phase is very important to help the Customer taking his decisions. Generally, together with a report, a 3D animation is used to show “critical” situations and the way to solve them.
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