Biotech industry: simulation and beyond

The biotech industry is relatively new to the use of simulation techniques. This paper discusses an application of discrete event simulation in a continuous process biotech manufacturing facility of the Bayer Corporation at Berkeley. The SIGMA^(R) simulation model imitating demand and supply of a critical utility (water) was used to analyze the water shortage. The model has been in use for the last year and has effectively eliminated water shortages. Based on this analysis, a set of guidelines was designed to ensure better availability of this critical utility. The model initiated a project to reduce the consumption of water. The model was also used for strategic capacity analysis and to assess the impact of capital projects on future budgetary plans. This whole project was completed in two months and resulted in direct benefits worth $1,100,000