SIMUL8 is a software for modeling, simulating, analyzing and optimizing the system-level performance of production systems during their design, reconfiguration and production planning phases. The simulation building blocks allow to create accurate system models of complex system architectures, such as production lines, job shops, robotics cells, assembly systems and complex product flows.

SIMUL8 supports a wide range of scale and complexity of manufacturing systems modeling: rapidly create a preliminary model requires limited information e.g. from a process list and from the 2D layout of the plant, and progressively detail the simulation as needed. Simulation models can be adapted according to the manufacturing system type (discrete events, agent-based, continuous and hybrid simulations).

SIMUL8 provides decision makers with critical information, such as:

• resource utilization level (machines, operators, etc.)
• inventory levels
• flow of materials and semi-finished products
• efficiency of the production system

Simulation models can be easily connected to optimization algorithms by considering output objectives (throughput, quality yield), and constraints (machine capacities, failure rates, shift patterns, and other factors affecting the total performance and efficiency of production systems).

Therefore, SIMUL8 allows to evaluate the effect of different scheduling policies, batch and production flow management and operators, maintenance policies, the impact of system modification interventions (modification of the layout, replacement of machinery, interventions aimed at reducing the average return time of certain events, etc.), evaluate the effect of launching new products variants, etc. and to identify the best tradeoff solutions in the face of conflicting objectives (e.g. costs vs. productivity).

Simulations are visual and animated, allowing to easily verify what’s happening in a process as time progresses. Web-based simulation: seamlessly build, run and share simulations and results between SIMUL8 web browser and desktop editions.