Applying model-reconstruction by exploring MES and PLC data for simulation support of production systems

The paper introduces a discrete-event simulation-based decision supporting system aiming at automatically mirroring the current state of a large-scale material handling system of a production system in a digital model and supporting the analysis of diverse control settings and rules. The discrete-event digital model is built in an automated way and all the data necessary for the model are taken from a manufacturing execution system (MES) and additionally directly from programmable logic controllers (PLC). Main focus is given to present the results of the PLC program code processing method (code mapping) generating a structured dataset, as well as the model-reconstruction method for the simulation software. The easy-of-use support tool is intended to be used both in planning and operation phases of an automotive manufacturing company, thus the capabilities of model reconstruction and simulation are tested on real-world data.