The Rapid Modeling Technique (RMT) allows manufacturing analysts to quickly build new models for various manufacturing scenarios, as well as to rapidly explore a large number of "what-ifs" for each scenario. A set of integrated tools further extends RMT to allow the efficient investigation of decisions in virtually all stages of the design and operation of manufacturing systems. The use of these tools leads to cost-effective and timely analysis of manufacturing decisions, and hence to greater productivity and competitive position of the manufacturing enterprise. We present a set of five compatible tools for rapid modeling and analysis of manufacturing systems. Spreadsheets form the basic tool for simple calculations. RMT tools allow the user to study the dynamics of manufacturing systems using efficient mathematics: whole models can be built in hours and each "what-if" is analyzed in minutes. Translators allow almost instantaneous conversion of the analytical model into simulation code. Simulation Languages provide very detailed modeling abilities. Finally, Animation gives analysts the ability to present their results to co-workers and management in a convincing manner. We describe instances of these tools as well as the way in which they are integrated to form a compatible toolkit.
['Rajan Suri']
Rapid Modeling: How It Assists Manufacturing Competitiveness