Use of discrete event simulation to validate an agent based scheduling engine

The paper discusses the use of simulation in a new context. Most often QUEST is viewed as a stand-alone simulation tool to analyze and understand shop floor behavior. It has rarely been used in conjunction with other proprietary software. The paper demonstrates how QUEST is being used in conjunction with an agent based scheduling software (henceforth referred to as Scheduler), developed using Java. The Scheduler is a multithreaded application using software agents. It can run in a distributed manner over a LAN. The paper deals with the agent based architecture of the Scheduler as well as the important role of simulation in validating the Scheduler