Knowledge Based Simulation for Improved Demand Management in Manufacturing Industries

Summary

In today’s dynamic market environment, the ever changing requirements of customers often destabilise master production schedules, unless the effects of any changes in order quantities, priorities, etc., are analysed in a timely manner and incorporated into a revised master production schedule which continues to remain realistic. This paper describes a knowledge based simulation approach that uses an enhanced What-If analysis to analyse the effects of any changes on critical work centres, the problems likely to be encountered and the seriousness of the problems. It also provides advice for responding to the changes and hence helps create a realistic master production schedule (MPS) by considering alternative solutions to the problems and taking due account of the operational and business realities of the environment.