University of Connecticut

Fall 2018, MEM 4225

Queueing Systems and

Simulation

Instructor: Prof. Liang Zhang

Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Connecticut

1
Simul8 modeling building for
production line studies

2
 Start Point Property
As we discussed in class, since raw
parts are usually delivered in large
batches, instead of being subject to
an arrival process, we typically
model it as “Unlimited arrival”.

As a result, the raw parts will be

always available for the production
line.

3
 Structure

With “Unlimited arrival”, the start point must be connected to a server

(activity block in Simul8) instead of a queue.

The above figure shows a two-machine-one-buffer production line.

4
 Activity Properties

• Choose “Fixed” in the Distribution

dropdown box of Activity service time
and enter the constant cycle time of
the workstation in the text box above.

5
 Activity Properties

• Click on the “Efficiency” button to

enter the reliability parameters of the
workstation.

6
 Activity Properties

• Next, click on the “Detailed” button to

enter the reliability parameters of the
workstation.

• Then, you can click on “Time between

breakdowns” and “Time to repair” to
enter the distributions and
parameters of up- and downtime of
the machine, respectively.

7
 Activity Properties

• Choose the distribution of the up/downtime first and then

enter appropriate parameters for the selected distribution.

8
 Key data

• End point: Work Completed (useful in calculating system

throughput)
• Activity (machine):
– Awaiting work (starvation)
– Working
– Blocked (blockage)
– Stopped (down)
– Utilization pie chart
• Queue (buffer):
– Average number of work items (WIP)