Integrating human behaviour into factory simulation- a feasibility study

Abstract

As the environment of manufacturing enterprises is becoming more complex and dynamic this requires powerful tools for the support of decisions in manufacturing and production planning. Simulation as one of those tools has been widely applied in manufacturing and logistics. However, the models used for simulation are incomplete because the human factor in terms of its decision making and behaviour is considered only rudimentary. This leads to suboptimal decisions and to a gap when implementing solutions in practice. The paper presents an approach for enriching the common (technical) simulation models with need controlled human agents. The agent is based on a formalised motivation theory. In a feasibility study several typical settings, like ramp up curves and learning effects, were tested. The approach is unique in the field of simulation with a big potential for higher quality in analysing and designing production systems.

A Human‐Oriented Simulation Approach for Labor Assignment Flexibility in Changeover Processes of Manufacturing Cells

“…In most existing DEDS production models, workers are treated more or less in a mechanistic way, having such attributes as availabilities and skills for the assignment of tasks. Human decision processes and the behavior of workers have not been integrated so far into simulation (Riedel, Mueller, von der Weth, & Pflugradt, ). There have been some approaches for the consideration of humans in the design of manufacturing processes.…”

“…Van der Zee () proposed a framework for simulation modeling that explicitly represents control structures in terms of intelligent agents, their activities, and their relationships. Riedel, Mueller, von der Weth, and Pflugradt () presented an approach for enriching the common simulation models with need‐controlled human agents. Seven typical settings, such as ramp‐up curves and learning effects, were tested.…”

A Multidisciplinary Model of Problem Solving in Complex Production Systems

“…At the moment a real production system in a laboratory setting is planned which should serve as benchmark towards the prognoses of an also more sophisticated simulation model. A first simulation based upon the model produced plausible results about fictitious workers´ behavior in a production system [32] and proofed the feasibility of the approach. Planned experiments will lead to insights on how certain configurations of production systems and workers with specific prerequisites influence the readiness for problem solving activities.…”

Modelling people’s behaviour using discrete-event simulation: a review

“…Finally, one example is presented of the use of a cognitive model of human behaviour. Riedel et al (2009) modelled human competence based on the PSI theory (Detje and Kunzel, 2003). Task performance in modelled over time showing how competence oscillates dependent on experienced success and failure at a new task.…”

“…Articles reporting on the use of DES to model people’s behaviour (2005-2017): Ajaefobi et al (2010) Brailsford et al (2012) Colombi and Ward (2010) Dode et al (2016) Dubiel and Tsimhoni (2005) Elliman et al (2005) Hannah and Neal (2014) Ilar (2008) Kazmierczak et al (2007) Khalil and Weston (2009) Knight et al (2012) Kokkinou and Cranage (2011) Kozine (2007) Lassila et al (2005) Majid and Herawan (2013) Malachowski and Korytkowski (2016) Mason et al (2005) McHaney (2008) Nehme et al (2008) Nembhard (2014) Neumann and Medbo (2009) Neumann and Medbo (2017) Perez et al (2014) Plott (2006) Riedel et al (2009) Robinson (2015) Shewchuk et al (2017) Silva et al (2014) Wang et al (2013)…”