We describe a production shop which needed to undertake schedule analyses at the macro level of planning and explain the methods of using simulation to obtain valid, credible schedule analyses quickly. After discussion of the simulation model itself, we present actual simulation results and conclusions. These successful simulation results help the production shop attain nimble adaptation to product mix requirements, optimal in-process buffer sizing, and speedy confirmation of the ability of scheduling proposals to meet throughput targets.
Keywords: Process Simulation, Schedule Analysis, Production Scheduling