Simulation has typically been associated with design or R&D. But, simulation is driving improvement in quality and throughput of manufacturing too. How’s that possible? And, is AI making things more complex or better?
Simulation is becoming a “game changer” in manufacturing for process optimisation, following the “test before build” principle. It aids in production, supply chain, and workforce planning.
Plus, virtualization fueled by simulation, allows organizations to remotely simulate and analyze real-world scenarios, thereby optimizing operations and decision-making in complex environments without the need for direct physical intervention. This capability is indispensable for maintaining efficiency and adapting to the evolving demands of global industries.
Simulation relies on models, incorporating algorithms and mathematical/statistical representations to mimic real-world processes. It dissects problems into scenarios, each portraying distinct situations, and employs predictive analytics using statistical techniques to forecast outcomes and behaviours within these scenarios. Companies tackling simulation projects face data reliability, math modelling proficiency, and system integration challenges. These hurdles require prioritising data access, math expertise, and careful integration planning. Despite challenges, the right approach and expertise can unlock transformative potential in simulation, offering valuable insights for better decision-making and overall success in the dynamic manufacturing landscape.
Cost-Efficiency through Simulation
Simulation adoption is driven by cost efficiency, providing a virtual alternative to expensive physical setups. Its flexibility allows scenario testing without significant financial burdens, employing adaptable algorithms for accurate predictions. Compared to traditional experiments, simulation offers a higher return on investment, making it attractive for cost-effective optimization and data-driven decision-making. In today’s competitive landscape, rapid optimization is crucial, and simulation enables swift experimentation and variable adjustments to identify optimal outcomes, providing valuable insights into system behavior and uncovering hidden patterns.
Simulation relies on visualisation, using realistic or schematic representations to convey crucial information. In many cases, detailed geometry isn’t necessary, and simplified visualisations enhance the efficiency and clarity of the simulation process by focusing on critical parameters and behaviours. Optimisation techniques, an essential aspect of simulation, involve defining an objective function and decision variables that can be adjusted within set boundaries, whether discrete or continuous. Techniques like linear and convex-concave optimisation play a pivotal role in fine-tuning simulations for optimal results. With its ability to replicate reality, leverage algorithms, provide a high return on investment, optimise rapidly, experiment endlessly, and effectively visualise information, simulation is an indispensable tool in the modern business world. As organisations seek innovative ways to thrive in a competitive landscape, simulation remains at the forefront of technological advancements, driving progress and enabling data-driven success.
The Impact of Generative AI
Generative AI transforms simulation, advancing it with sophisticated models from extensive learning modules, pushing boundaries in maturity and effectiveness. However, implementing its potential poses challenges. Crucial is managing data complexity, selecting relevant data, and filtering noise for accurate models. Deciding what to include or exclude demands a clear link between the objective function and decision variables. Balancing historical accuracy with forward-thinking perspectives is essential to overcome the innovation hindrance posed by the simulation’s reliance on past data.
Strategically optimising AI-driven simulation involves diverse scenario inclusion and unbiased selection of realistic boundary conditions for accuracy. Achieving simulation fidelity requires combining scientific principles and statistical refinement, maximising effectiveness. Integrating AI and deep learning propels simulation into a new era of adaptability, empowering companies to optimise processes and stay competitive. Despite challenges, these strategies help organisations unlock the full potential of AI-enhanced simulation, promising exciting possibilities for various industries.
The Core Principles of Manufacturing Simulation
Manufacturing simulation is a powerful tool that enables organisations to optimise processes, enhance productivity, and maintain product quality. However, essential guiding principles must be understood and followed to utilise simulation in the manufacturing domain effectively.
Holistic Representation of Manufacturing Value Chain
Manufacturing is not just about production lines and workstations. It encompasses the entire value chain, from procurement, raw material inventory, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, testing, and dispatch. A holistic representation of the manufacturing value chain is essential for identifying bottlenecks and optimising the entire process, not just individual components.
Quantification of Production Parameters
To simulate manufacturing processes effectively, it is crucial to quantify production parameters. These parameters directly impact the quality and efficiency of production. Understanding and measuring critical production data, such as dimensions, tolerances, and finishing effects, is essential for creating accurate simulations.
Tracking and Monitoring
Simulation models must include mechanisms for tracking and monitoring production in real time. This ensures that the simulation remains aligned with actual production conditions. Real-time monitoring allows for immediate identification of issues and deviations from the simulation’s predicted results.
Closed-Loop Control
Closed-loop control mechanisms enable the simulation model to correct deviations automatically. When discrepancies between the simulation and real-world conditions arise, the system can adjust parameters to align with the desired outcomes. This ensures that the simulation remains accurate and responsive to changing conditions.
Scenario-Based Analysis
Creating various scenarios within the simulation is crucial for capturing different operational conditions and scenarios. These scenarios represent a range of boundary conditions and constraints, helping organisations prepare for a variety of real-world situations. Scenario-based analysis enables informed decision-making under different circumstances.
Results Analysis
Analyzing simulation results is a critical step in the manufacturing simulation process. It involves assessing the data generated by the simulation and extracting valuable insights. This analysis helps understand the impact of different variables and identifies areas for improvement.
Fallback Options
Despite meticulous planning and execution, unexpected issues may arise in manufacturing. Having fallback options or contingency plans is essential. These plans outline alternative approaches or solutions to address unforeseen challenges and ensure that production can continue smoothly.
Bridging the Gap
Simulation is a crucial tool in manufacturing, providing insights into process optimisation, productivity improvement, and quality control. However, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between simulation and reality, where discrepancies can arise. This article explores strategies to compensate for this gap and achieve meaningful results. Aligning simulation with the objective function is fundamental, representing specific goals and critical metrics for decision-making. A clear definition of the objective function guides the selection of parameters, variables, and constraints in the simulation, enhancing its relevance and effectiveness.
In the realm of simulation for manufacturing, precision and accuracy are paramount. Precision gauges how closely a simulation mirrors the desired outcome, ensuring consistency with target specifications. Meanwhile, accuracy assesses alignment with real-world scenarios by evaluating the average of multiple simulation runs against actual results. Choosing the right parameters and variables is pivotal for achieving precision and accuracy in simulations, with considerations varying based on the objective function. For example, critical factors in simulating a manufacturing process may include dimensions, tolerances, temperature, and viscosity.
A crucial goal in manufacturing simulations is minimising rework, as excessive rework incurs significant costs and production delays. Optimal tolerance limits should be established through simulations, balancing precision and accuracy. Organisations can reduce the likelihood of unnecessary rework by accurately characterising objects in simulations and understanding manufacturing processes. Waste reduction is another imperative in manufacturing simulations, addressing inefficiencies that lead to material waste and suboptimal process parameters. Simulation strategies, such as recycling and incremental checks at various production stages, can be explored to determine the most effective ways to minimise waste.
The growing concern of energy consumption in manufacturing is met with simulations optimising energy usage. Identifying inefficiencies in energy conversion processes and addressing energy leakage issues are vital components. Real-time monitoring and simulation facilitate identifying energy-saving opportunities, contributing to sustainability goals.
Improving reliability and mean time between failures (MTBF) is crucial. Increasing the reliability of equipment and systems helps avoid unexpected failures and costly downtime. Real-time simulation monitoring aids in early issue detection, allowing for proactive maintenance and minimising downtime. In summary, leveraging simulations for manufacturing brings forth a holistic approach, addressing precision, accuracy, rework, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and downtime to enhance overall efficiency in production processes.
| Simulation as a Learning Model |
| Traditionally, simulation involved creating models based on mathematical and statistical algorithms to replicate real-world processes. While this approach remains fundamental, integrating artificial intelligence has taken simulation to the next level. Deep learning, a subset of AI, has gained prominence recently. It involves training models with vast amounts of data, allowing them to learn and make predictions autonomously. This approach revolutionises simulation by enabling models to improve continuously without manual intervention. Over time, these models become more accurate and practical, making them powerful tools for decision-making. Heuristic learning is another aspect of AI that complements data-based learning. Empirical formulas and heuristics, derived from years of experience, can be incorporated into simulation models. While not based on traditional scientific principles, these heuristics provide valuable insights and enhance the adaptability of simulation models. AI allows simulation models to become learning models that adapt and refine based on data and experience. |
Simulation, crucial in daily life, utilises models and algorithms to replicate reality, aiding optimised operations and decision-making in manufacturing. Despite challenges like data availability, simulation benefits the industry by adhering to “test before build” principles and addressing challenges through adaptable workstations and statistical process control. Core principles, generative AI impact, and bridging the simulation-reality gap amplify its significance in an evolving manufacturing landscape, enhancing decision-making and efficiency.
This article is from a tech talk session at Delhi EXPO 2023, Delhi, by Sudipta Saha, managing director of Accenture. Transcribed and curated by Akanksha Sondhi Gaur, Research Analyst and Journalist at EFY.
