34495 - Laboratory of Logistics Simulation (Graduate Course)

Learning outcomes

Laboratory of Logistics Simulation  is oriented to Logistics and Manufacturing Plants design and validation.

The Course is intended for training students in the detailed skills of generating and executing a process simulation model. Moreover it is treated methodology to generate alternative What-If scenarios to examine and compare model performance.

The entire course is based on an object-oriented software developed for providing an  environment for building highly accurate models for analysis and development, as well as for control system emulation.

Course contents

The aim is to provide base methods and tools for the simulation of the most important aspects of production and manufacturing:

-        Conveyor systems;

-        Material handling systems;

-        Flexible Manufacturing Systems;

-        Assembly lines;

-        Warehouse systems;

-        Supply chain.

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

-        Understand the concepts underlying process simulation;

-        Know the range and capabilities of simulation;

-        Create a simulation of a complex production system;

-        Produce and interpret a simulation report;

-        Realize and analyze What-If scenarios.

Readings/Bibliography

-         Brooks Automation, Inc., “Automod User's guide Volumes 1 and , 2003.

Jerry Banks, “Getting Started with AutoModTM”, Brooks Automation, Inc. , 2004.

-         Brooks Automation, Inc., “Beginning AutoModTM Tutorial”, , 2003.

-         J. Banks, J. S. Carson, B. L. Nelson, “Discrete­event system simulation (2nd ed.)”, Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1996.

-         A.Pareschi, E.Ferrari, A.Persona, A.Regattieri, “Logistica Integrata e Flessibile”, Ed.Esculapio, 2002.

-         Pareschi A., “Impianti industriali”, Progetto Leonardo, Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 1994.

-         Chung a. C., "Simulation modeling handbook", CRC Press, USA2004.

-        P. A. Fishwick, “Simulation Model Design and Execution”,

-        C.G. Cassandras, S. Lafortune, “Introduction to Discrete Event Systems”,

Teaching methods

The course is organized in frontal lectures in which the basic elements of the various parts of the program are presented.

7 practical case studies will be developed by the teachers to the students.

3 homework group projects will be requested to the students during the course.

Assessment methods

The students will be examined in groups in a oral session/presentation. Each group has to develop a simulation model including all functionalities presented by the teacher during the course. The aim of the simulation model is the analysis and performance assessment of a real case study.

Teaching tools

All lessons will be developed in the computer laboratory using the simulation software Automod(TM). This software is a discrete event simulation modeller specifically developed for manufacturing systems.

Office hours

See the website of Mauro Gamberi