Simulation is a powerful decision-making tool that can be used to decide whether a candidate order should be accepted or rejected by a manufacturing system. Such a simulation-based order acceptance rule is presented, and important features of the rule are highlighted. How the manufacturing system can be optimally controlled using this rule and its effects on the main performance measures of the system are also demonstrated. In addition, modeling such a simulation-based order acceptance rule is challenging and requires resolving many issues. This article discusses these issues. The lessons learned from this modeling experience are generic and can be used in similar contexts.
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