Improving Simulation Project Efficiency Using Web Technology

Abstract

It is argued that Web technology may support all the actors involved in and all the stages carried out during a simulation project. To demonstrate this, a prototype manufacturing system simulator has been designed upon recognizing that in any simulation project, many people with different views are involved. The explicit expression of the simulation participants’ roles, knowledge, views, and opinions during the initial stage of a simulation project is important, while the identification and resolution of possible conflicts between their views and opinions are crucial for the success of the project. The blackboard model is employed for modeling the communication between the simulation participants. The use of such a simulation environment has an immediate effect on the project lead time, the project monitoring ability, the collection and dissemination of the information gathered and generated during the simulation project, and the project’s overall cost as shown through a small-scale evaluation.