Simulation modelling by classification of problems: A case of assembly lines

This paper presents an application of cladistics, a technique used in the field of evolutionary biology, to classify problems in manufacturing systems (in this case assembly lines) and to use it as a basis to construct simulation model templates. The underlying principle behind this approach is that manufacturing systems evolve over time (e.g. from craft production to mass to lean etc) and therefore the problems associated with them also evolve. Cladistics groups the problems hierarchically in the form of tree structure called cladogram. The prototype model elements for simulation was developed based on the cladogram established. A secondary user interface was also developed to assist novice users by providing all the necessary information to speed up and facilitate the model building.