MIME 4100/5100
Manufacturing Systems Simulation
Spring 2014
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to computer simulation. Discrete and
continuous simulation models are used to study queuing networks, manufacturing and
related engineering systems. Simulation languages and animation are covered. Statistical
inference is used to draw conclusions and to identify the best system.
Instructor: Dr. Efstratios Nikolaidis
Office: Nitschke 4006D
E-mail: enikolai@eng.utoledo.edu, Telephone: (419) 530 8216, Fax: (419) 530 8206
Course URL: http://www.eng.utoledo.edu/~enikolai
Textbook (required): W. Kelton, R. Sadowski and D. Sturrock, Simulation with Arena,
4th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2006 (with CD), ISBN-13: 978-0073259895.
Related courses: MIME 2650 (Manufacturing Processes), MIME 4010 (Engineering
Statistics II)
Objectives of the course: At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Explain the concept and utility of computer simulation.
2. Explain the fundamental concepts of computer simulation including, static and
dynamic events, continuous and discrete dynamic events, steady state,
deterministic and random events.
3. Explain the importance of randomness in simulation.
4. Explain and describe the basic pieces of simulation models for random, dynamic
events.
5. Model common queue/server systems using spreadsheets and specialized
commercial simulation software, such as ARENA.
6. Establish models of inputs to and interpret the outputs of simulation models.
7. Apply statistical analyses to identify candidate probability distributions for events
that drive a discrete event simulation.
8. Evaluate and compare alternative systems on the basis of the results of simulation.
Homework Assignments:
There will be homework assignments and projects that will include both paper-and-pencil
type of problems and simulation modeling exercises that will require programming using
simulation software (ARENA and Excel spreadsheets).
Course Topics (Chapter in Textbook):
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Introduction (Chapter 1)
Review of probability and statistics (Appendix C)
Fundamentals of simulation concepts (Chapter 2)
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Components of simulation models: entities, attributes, variables,
resources, queues, events
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Discrete-event and process-oriented simulation
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Random vs. deterministic events
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Simulation with spreadsheets
Computer simulation software ARENA (Chapter 3)
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Example: Drill center
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Structure and components of ARENA
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Demonstration of ARENA on drill center example
Modeling basic operations and inputs (Chapter 4)
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Example: Electronic Assembly and Test System
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Building, and running a model
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Debugging and verification
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Developing inputs
Modeling detailed operations (Chapter 5)
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Call Center
Exams, homework and grading: There will be 9 homework assignments and a takehome final exam. You must submit homework assignments by the due date. No late
assignments will be accepted. You are encouraged to collaborate in the homework but
copying another student’s homework is unacceptable. No collaboration is allowed for the
final exam. Your grade will be based on the following: Homework and Projects (60%),
Final (40%)
Your grade will be determined based on the following scale:
Overall score
Letter grade
90-100
A or A80-89.99
B or B+ or B70-79.99
C or C+ or C60-69.99
D or D+ or DMissed homework or exams: If you are unable to submit a homework or take an exam
because of a genuine emergency (such as illness, jury duty and funeral) then you should
contact me by E-mail or in person and provide written documentation as soon as possible.
Submit your assignment as soon as possible. In case you have to miss an exam I will
decide if I will give you a make-up test or adjust the weight of the final exam or other
homework assignments. If you fail to provide proper written documentation of the
emergency you will get a zero for the assignments, or exams you missed. Note that
going on vacation is not considered an emergency.
Cellular phone policy in class: Use of cellular phones during class distracts students.
Please turn off cellular phones and do not make phone calls during class time.
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Class attendance: Students are expected to watch all class sessions. If you have a
genuine emergency that prevents you from attending a class, you should contact me by
Email preferably before the class. You will still be responsible for getting the
information you missed.
Class sessions: Each recorded class will start with a 5-10 minute review of the previous
class. Then we cover new material and close with an overview of what we covered.
Recorded classes will be uploaded on YouTube and links will be provided.
Computer usage: Some homework problems require use of software programs EXCEL
and ARENA.
Email and Web page: Homework assignments, design problems, and solutions will be
posted on the course web page or/and will be emailed.
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