Rapid assembly lines model building based on template approach and classification of problems using the cladistics technique

Competition in the global economic scenario has led to the use of simulation in many areas such as manufacturing, health systems, military systems and transportation. With the importance of simulation in supporting decision making and operations, model building has been recognised as one of the crucial steps in simulation studies. However, model building is not as easy as it may seem. It can be time-consuming and expensive, and requires special training, skills and experience. This research, therefore, aims to investigate a new method to rapidly build a simulation model based on the classification of problems in assembly lines using a cladistics technique and template approach. Three objectives were established in order to achieve the aim and a four-stage research programme was developed according to these objectives. The first stage starts by developing a thorough understanding of and collecting typical problems in assembly lines. The next stage formulates the classification of problems and the main deliverable is a cladogram, a tree structure that can be used to represent the evolution of problems and their characteristics. The third stage focuses on the development of a proof-of-concept prototype based on an established classification and template approach. The prototype helps users to develop a model by providing the physical elements and specific elements required for the performance measures analysis. The prototype is then tested and validated in the final stage. The results show that the prototype developed can help to rapidly build a simulation model and reduce model development time.