Model Simplification in Manufacturing Simulation - Review and Framework

Simulation models are meant to support industrial engineers in understanding complex problems and provide useful insights facilitating their solution. Models achieve this by reducing focus to system elements that matter. Surprisingly, despite its relevance, simulation model simplification is still very much a green field. This is mirrored in existing literature and course materials. In this article we seek to foster development of the field by proposing a framework for simulation model simplification addressing the manufacturing domain, thereby building on an extensive literature review. The framework structures the field by providing a unifying view on simulation model simplification, in terms of its key activities, i.e., reducing and preventing model complexity, and support offered in performing these. Apart from its role as a focal point for future research, the framework is meant to benefit practitioners and educators, by giving them access to research findings, and enabling and legitimatizing development of educational materials and their uptake.