Achieving Reusability in Visual Simulation of a Parts Distribution System

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate component-based visual simulation model development using the Visual Simulation Environment ^TM (VSE) software product. Two libraries are presented: Clock library and Distribution library. The Clock library provides reusable model components for representing date and time in the Gregorian calendar. The Distribution library provides reusable model components for simulating parts distribution systems. We have developed a VSE model of a parts distribution system of a local company in Blacksburg, Virginia, by way of reusing from the Clock and Distribution libraries. The simulation project illustrated the value and importance of component-based model development under the object-oriented paradigm.