Abstract
Decision making support in a stochastic
environment represents a challenging aspect for any
manufacturing organisation. Disturbances in manufacturing
supply chains shift operational risks as a function of time.
The development of Industry 4.0 related technologies enables
manufacturers to more efficiently mitigate operational risks
and improve end to end efficiencies. The current research
investigates technologies and concepts in the emerging
blueprint of 4.0 that add value to organisational decision
making capabilities. A multimethod agent based simulation
model is developed within the boundaries of a Theory of
Constraints (ToC) system to assess the effectiveness of the
current Mode Of Operation (MOO) for prioritisation of
Work In Process (WIP). The investigation is conducted using
a defined WIP complement and resource pool allocation. The
results show that it is possible to optimise flow through the
manufacturing line through consideration of prioritisation
MOO. The approach represents a transition to a new
optimised state for the organisation under study; as it
ventures into the realm of Industry 4.0 through use of agent
based simulation modelling and analysis.