Arena Simulation Software in Packaging

Model and Predict Performance in Your Packaging Process

World Map centered in virtual environment

Design your packaging system correctly the first time including conveyor lengths, accumulation sizing and sensor positions. Arena Simulation Software enables you to model and predict system performance based on key metrics such as throughput, utilization, blockages/starvations and effective run rates.

Packaging lines can be tasked with processing hundreds or even thousands or products per minute. A multitude of variables impact the performance of these systems—including machine speeds, conveyor speeds, and capacity—and failure to meet required demands can compromise production. Improving performance and reducing downtime requires a robust solution that factors in multiple variations and system interactions—a task which is almost impossible to accomplish using spreadsheet analysis.

This Arena 3D Visual Designer video depicts a model for inventory storage, retrieval, and coordination with a truck schedule to simulate a supply chain.

What is Packaging Optimization?

Packaging optimization is a computer-based model of the packaging process that enables you to simulate packing line operation in a virtual world before implementing modifications in the real world. These models incorporate system interactions, resource requirements and process variability into the simulation to provide a realistic view of packing operations. These models enable organizations to address important issues like the following:

Impact of changing machine speeds and downtimes
Impact of conveyor speeds and accumulation capacity
Operator requirements to meet machine changeover and machine downtime events
Effect of variation due to downtime and changeover on system operation
Impacts of the line control system

Effective optimization requires simulation, and that’s where Arena can help.

Arena is the leading global business process simulation solution, which gives packaging engineers the ability to create models that can be tested and adjusted quickly without any programming experience. Implementing an optimization strategy using models lowers cost, saves time, and decreases the risk often associated with the standard trial-and-error approach.

Features and Capabilities

Easy-to-Build a Packaging Process Flow

Build a packaging process flow in a fast, intuitive and easy-to-learn manner
Drag and drop elements and structures allow you build simulations and visualize results
Engaging 2D and 3D animation capabilities that do not require programming assistance

Dashboards for Packaging Optimization

Built-in dynamic dashboards provide the model analysis you need to facilitate packaging optimization
Build customized displays of the model information to enable you to better understand what is happening in your process

Common Capabilities

Increased throughput
Eliminate blockages/starvations
Optimize equipment utilization
Test new process configurations before implementing in the plant

Plant Simulation Software

Successful plant operation requires that multiple process operations are coordinated to work at maximum efficiency. If your production line is unbalanced, the result can be increased WIP, higher off-grade material and a reduction in plant throughput. Logistics inefficiencies can also increase costs when production must stop due to resource constraints or available storage capacity. Simulation can help you optimize your plant processes to reduce costs and improve throughput.

What is Plant Simulation?

Plant simulation software allows you to create digital models of your production processes to improve how each process interacts with, transitions to, and is affected by the next process. For example:

Manufacturing: model the interactions and variability between systems and resources. Determine inefficiencies and bottlenecks as well as the ways downstream operations can impact production.
Packaging: model the effects of adjustments to machine or conveyor speeds, as well as system downtime and maintenance.
Logistics: determine how scheduling or resource allocation affects efficiency with receiving, distribution, and warehousing.