TimeNETMS-an integrated modeling and performance evaluation tool for manufacturing systems

There is a need for modeling and performance evaluation techniques and tools for a fast and reliable design of modern manufacturing systems. The paper introduces TimeNET_MS, a software tool which integrates manufacturing system modeling and performance analysis with an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It is based on a concept of independent models for the manufacturing system structure and work plans, both using a dedicated class of colored stochastic Petri nets. TimeNET_MS is implemented as an extension of the more general Petri net modeling and analysis tool TimeNET. An industrial application example shows the use of the tool.