Discrete event simulation with integration of optimizations and the internet of things

Abstract

There is a lack of development in the discrete event simulation area. Representing a real process through a digital model has proven to be a useful tool because modifications can be carried out at no cost to corporations within a simulated environment. Even so, within the creation of DES for specific processes, it has different limitations (data collection, visual representation of the model, platform integration for the final simulation). That is why the present work proposes the integration of discrete event simulation (DES) with the environment of industrial internet of things and an industrial process. A simulated process was developed using Simpy, a Python tool, and Siemens Plant Simulation. Variables obtained from Python simulation were saved on a remote server using Google Scripts. The results of the Plant simulation were sent to an Excel data sheet. Comparisons of both simulations were performed, with variables such as cycle time, number of parts per day and other indicators. After comparing the simulations, other scenarios were tested to illustrate how the Python model can work with different data. Then, optimizations were carried out to maximize the number of items produced in different scenarios. Future work includes implementation in real factory environment and the interconnection with other technologies as augmented reality.