An implementation strategy for Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software

Abstract

Many companies are investigating on whether it would be beneficial (financially and operationally) to implement discrete-event simulation (DES) software in-house. Moreover, to what strategy can be followed in implementing and integrating the software within the business. These are some of the problems that are faced by many companies, looking into the use and incorporation of DES type software. This is particularly relevant in the 4th Industrial Revolution as companies strive to compete by continuously improving their business strategy. The importance of this research topic is highlighted through a gap in literature relating to the topic. Literature on DES, dedicated to production process simulations – is mainly focused on project cases and not overall strategy development, subject to business capacity and requirements. This research study focuses on the use and implementation of Tecnomatix Plant Simulation (TX) at a project and organisational level. This study aims to: * Guide individuals and companies through the complexities of implementing TX software within organisational capacities; * Illustrate the different project phases and steps, with regards to various input and output focal points; and * Equip individuals and companies with the necessary points of value, to implement TX at a project and organisational level in a feasible manner. This research study was based on an evaluative case study that follows the pre-requisite selection of TX, using a hybrid evaluation and selection methodology for DES (Wesch & Hattingh, 2021). The Action Design Research (ADR) method developed by Sein et al. (2011) was followed as part of developing a suitable strategy for implementing TX, from selection up to incorporation and integration within business systems. The primary aim of this research study was to develop a referable and holistic implementation strategy to follow for TX software. This has been achieved and the compiled simulation strategy and summarised approach provide an easy and efficient reference to follow for any new DES user(s). This methodology thus achieves the purpose of the study to provide a useable and referable strategy that can be used in multiple ways.