Library for simulating production processes in the automotive industry

Classification and brief description

The Automotive Module Library is a specialised library for process simulation in the automotive industry. It was developed by SimPlan based on the Plant Simulation software and has been continuously maintained for many years.

The library was commissioned by a purchasing consortium of leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, including BMW, Daimler (including Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz), Volkswagen and ZF Friedrichshafen. The aim was to develop a common modelling standard for simulation projects in automotive production.

The Automotive Building Block Library enables typical production and logistics processes to be modelled and analysed efficiently. Thanks to its standardised structure, models can be constructed consistently and integrated into larger projects.

The library is used both in the planning of new facilities and for the analysis of existing production systems.

Typical areas of application

The Automotive Building Block Kit is used in various areas of production planning and process analysis.

Typical applications include:

• Planning of new production facilities and factory areas
• Analysis and optimisation of existing production systems
• Investigation of capacities and bottlenecks
• Evaluation of material flows and process sequences
• Validation of investment decisions
• Support for ongoing operations through simulation studies

The library enables the modelling of various production trades within the automotive industry, for example:

• Bodywork
• Paint shop
• Assembly
• Logistics
• Engine manufacturing and powertrain assembly

Functional scope and structure

The Automotive Building Block Library is based on a modular library. This allows models to be constructed in a structured manner and expanded flexibly.

Key components include modules for:

• Automotive production processes
• Conveyor technology and material flows
• Assembly processes
• In-plant logistics processes
• Powertrain and engine manufacturing

The modules can be parameterised and combined to suit specific projects. This allows both individual plant areas and complete production systems to be modelled.

Optional extension modules are available, for example for modelling energy and resource consumption such as compressed air or electricity.

Special features and scope

A special feature of the Automotive Building Block Kit is the standardised modelling methodology, which was developed in collaboration with several car manufacturers and suppliers. This enables simulation projects to be implemented across multiple organisations. In large projects, models are often created by different teams. The uniform structure makes it possible to merge these sub-models into a single overall model.

The module library is continuously being developed and has established itself as the standard in many simulation projects within the automotive industry.

Integration and data connectivity

The module library supports the integration of data from various systems within the Digital Factory. This allows input data for simulation models to be imported automatically.

Examples of data sources include:

• CAD systems such as Microstation or TriCAD
• Logistics planning systems such as Malaga
• the VDA’s VDB availability database

Through these connections, relevant planning data can be integrated directly into simulation models.

Target audience and benefits

The Automotive Building Block Set is primarily aimed at companies in the automotive industry and their suppliers.

Typical users are:

• Production planners
• Logistics planners
• Simulation experts
• Planning service providers
• Factory planning project teams

Its use offers several advantages:

• Faster modelling of complex production systems
• Standardised structure of simulation models
• Better comparability of results
• Simplified collaboration between project partners
• Merging of sub-models into overall models

Availability

The Automotive Building Block Set is developed and maintained within an industrial working group comprising leading car manufacturers and suppliers.

For further information on using the Automotive Building Block Set, please contact SimPlan.