Abstract 

Purpose: The main goal of this master thesis consists of the study and comparison of simulation modeling programs. Specifically, two different programs will be analyzed. The research also concerns the development of a general decision matrix to guide the selection of simulation programs in the context of manufacturing processes. The emphasis lies on semi-automated manufacturing processes.

Method: The applied methods within the master thesis focus on the usage of a literature review as well as two single case studies. The literature review forms the foundation for the selection of the simulation modeling programs and the definition of the benchmarking criteria. While one case company shows how the study can be implemented in realistic scenarios, the other case is used to underpin the findings from the literature review with opinions from the industrial context. The second one regards the development of the benchmarking criteria. The data is collected through observations, time studies,interviews, and a questionnaire. 

Findings: The findings cover the case study which was chosen as a semi-automated manufacturing process. The example is divided into four distinct workstations whichinclude manual handling, robotic interactions, and a conveyor system as transportation. The selection process for the simulation modeling programs was mainly based on the conducted literature review. Due to the focus on manufacturing processes, the decision was made to the programs Visual Components as well as 3D Experience – DELMIA. The development of the benchmarking criteria was also part of the findings and represents a crucial aspect for the following analysis of the simulation modeling programs. The results were drawn from the literature review as well as the conducted interviews. In total six criteria groups, each with three sub-criteria were defined. The questionnaire allowed the ranking of the importance level for the defined criteria. 

Implications: The research identifies the strengths and limitations of both simulation modeling programs. The analysis was conducted based on the selected criteria groups and sub-criteria which take the perspective of experts from the industry into account. Furthermore, a general decision matrix is part of the outcome. It enables transferabilityfor other companies with the same focus on manufacturing processes. 

Delimitations: The master thesis focuses on the comparison of two simulation modeling programs within the manufacturing context. One semi-automated manufacturing process of the case company builds the foundation for the analysis. However, the thesis will not provide completely developed simulations. The focus lies on a broad comparison and analysis that takes several distinct criteria groups into account. The depth of the analysis and findings is influenced by the timeframe of the master thesis project. 

Keywords: Simulation modeling; 3D Experience – DELMIA; Visual Components; manufacturing processes; decision matrix; criteria