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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Revision: 2
Reg.no:
Course syllabus
Process Simulation for Industry 4.0
Process Simulation for Industry 4.0
5 credits (5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: MT2577
Main field of study: Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: AXX - Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2022-08-29
Approved: 2022-09-01
1. Descision
This course is established by Dean 2021-12-03. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering 2022-09-01 and applies from 2022-08-29.
2. Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires at least 180 completed credits of which 90 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Economics and Management or adjacent subject area within the field of technology.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The objective of the course is for the students to learn why and when process simulation is appropriate and how this can be used for the development of new products or the improvement of production efficiency. The course will focus on established and emerging methods and tools for process simulation, mainly focusing on the use of Discrete-Event Simulations (DES).
3.2 Content
The course will initially introduce the students to the theory and main concepts related to computer simulations. It will then focus on the definition of commonly used simulation paradigms, including continuous system simulation, agent-based simulation, system dynamics and discrete-event simulations. The course will then provide an overview of how simulation-based approaches based on these paradigms are being employed in the context of Industry 4.0 today.
The course further narrows its focus to one of the most used paradigms for manufacturing systems, which is Discrete Event Simulations (DES). The course will exemplify the use of the DES logic through a series of case studies focused mainly on manufacturing, supply chain and transportation, as well as from healthcare, defense, and mining. These cases will provide a practical demonstration of how DES models can be used to predict the Key-Performance Indicators (KPI) of a given process by simulating the flow of system entities (e.g., work pieces, trucks, people, etc.) moving through a system that is constrained by its resources (machines, pathways, security check points, etc.). The course will further discuss how the results of DES models can be used for process optimization tasks, as well as to guide product and service design decisions.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Reflect on advantages and disadvantages related to different computer simulation paradigms.
- Identify when the use of continuous simulations, discrete event simulation, agent-based simulations, or system dynamics is preferable.
- Recognize the simulation-based approaches being employed in the context of Industry 4.0.
- Reflect on the use of Discrete Event Simulation models to support process optimization tasks and decision making.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe a process in mathematical terms and as a series of events and related system state changes.
- Apply Discrete Event Simulations to estimate the performance of a process.
- Apply experiments of different process configurations to run trade-off analysis on input parameters.
- Identify through simulation process bottlenecks and perform what-if analysis.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Reflect on the impact of process simulation on decision making.
- Analyze the potential consequences of the availability of process simulation for product development and process optimization tasks.
- Justify when the use of process simulation is desirable in the realm of Industry 4.0.
5. Learning activities
Pre-recorded lectures on process simulation theory and methods are combined with short exercises where students actively work on a defined task related to the lecture.
Pre-recorded software tutorial lectures are available to support the students in the delivery of the course assignments.
Examination will consist on a number four sequiential assignments based on process simulation concluding with a final submission of a project assignment.
Individual and group supervision is offered during the whole duration of the course.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2305 | Written Assignment 1 | 0.5 credits | GU |
| 2315 | Written Assignment 2 | 1 credits | GU |
| 2325 | Written Assignment 3 | 0.5 credits | GU |
| 2335 | Written Assignment 4 | 1 credits | GU |
| 2345 | Project Assignment | 2 credits | GU |
The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.
The information before a course occasion states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
- Joines, J.A., Roberts, S. (2015) Simulation Modeling with SIMIO: A Workbook - Fourth Edition, Simio LLC and Amazon's CreateSpace. ISBN-13: 978-1-51-9142207
- de Paula Ferreira, W., Armellini, F., & De Santa-Eulalia, L. A. (2020). Simulation in industry 4.0: A state-of-the-art review. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 149, 106868.
The literature is supplemented by theory- and work material (scientific articles and industry cases) that is distributed to students during the course.
This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.