Evaluating operating and maintenance rules through XCell simulation

Historically, simulation has been used primarily as a planning tool for new projects in manufacturing or major renovations. Recently, however, some organizations are applying this technology for optimization of current operations. This paper reports on the use of simulation for evaluating operating and maintenance parameters in an aluminium manufacturing company. The paper fits in the broader context of an on-going research project at the department of Industrieel Beleid, concerning the simultaneous optimization of production and maintenance policies.