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AP&T adds simulation service

Sweden-based AP&T has announced a service that allows its customers to get an exact picture—as early as the tendering stage—of how their planned production line will function and perform in an authentic environment. Using the Process Simulate simulation program, the company’s technical sales team can visualize the production process and specify cycle times and production capacity with almost 100 percent accuracy.

“What the simulation shows is basically identical with what the customer will receive. For companies on the verge of investing in a production line worth many millions, having the best possible basis upon which to make decisions means making them is both easier and more secure,” said Magnus Svenningsson, director technical sales at AP&T.

The simulation program, developed by Siemens, is used within the automotive industry. Distributor Summ Systems in Linköping, Sweden, together with Siemens, helped to produce a working method for discrete event simulation to meet AP&T’s specific requirements.

With this tool for discrete event simulation, the machines included in the production line can communicate with each other through a virtual control system. This allows early identification of potential bottlenecks in the process.

When the finished production line is in place at the factory, the simulation program can be used to start up the machines. A digital “twin” is downloaded to the line’s PLC to ensure machines are run in the same way as during simulation.