Edward Williams
Edward Williams holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics (Michigan State University, 1967; University of Wisconsin, 1968). From 1969 to 1971, he did statistical programming and analysis of biomedical data at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. He joined Ford Motor Company in 1972, where he worked until retirement in December 2001 as a computer software analyst supporting statistical and simulation software. After retirement from Ford, he joined PMC, Dearborn, Michigan, as a senior simulation analyst. Also, since 1980, he has taught classes at the University of Michigan, including both undergraduate and graduate simulation classes using GPSS/H, SLAM II, SIMAN, ProModel, SIMUL8, or Arena®. He is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers [IIE], the Society for Computer Simulation International [SCS], and the Michigan Simulation Users Group [MSUG]. He serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Industrial Engineering – Applications and Practice. During the last several years, he has given invited plenary addresses on simulation and statistics at conferences in Monterrey, México; İstanbul, Turkey; Genova, Italy; Rīga, Latvia; and Jyväskylä, Finland. He served as a co-editor of Proceedings of the International Workshop on Harbour, Maritime and Multimodal Logistics Modelling & Simulation 2003, a conference held in Rīga, Latvia. Likewise, he served the Summer Computer Simulation Conferences of 2004, 2005, and 2006 as Proceedings co-editor. He was the Simulation Applications track co-ordinator for the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference. His email addresses are williame@umd.umich.edu and ewilliams@pmcorp.com.
Supervisors: Professor Karen Strandholm, Department Chairperson and Onur M. Ülgen, PMC President
Phone: 313-583-6553
Address: 131B Fairlane Center South
College of Business
19000 Hubbard Drive
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
Supervisors: Professor Karen Strandholm, Department Chairperson and Onur M. Ülgen, PMC President
Phone: 313-583-6553
Address: 131B Fairlane Center South
College of Business
19000 Hubbard Drive
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
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Papers by Edward Williams
In the present study, simulation consultants and client manufacturing personnel worked jointly to develop a generic simulation model to assess in-line storage and retrieval requirements just upstream of typical vehicle final assembly operations, such as adding fluids, installing seats, emplacing the instrument panel, and mounting the tires. Such a final assembly line receives vehicles from the paint line. The generic model permits assessment of both in-line vehicle storage [ILVS] requirements and AS/RS [automatic storage/retrieval system] configuration and performance when designing or reconfiguring vehicle paint and/or final assembly lines. The AS/RS is the physical implementation of the ILVS. These assessments, at the user’s option, are based upon current production conditions and anticipated future body and paint complexities.
machining increases and an optimization solution must be undertaken. In this paper, the total production time is minimized by resorting to a powerful bio-inspired algorithm, called the cuckoo optimization algorithm. The constraints are successfully handled and the optimal results are compared with those available in the literature. It is shown that the present results are better.
consideration different kind of constraints. This research investigates the first implementation of a prevailing bio-inspired metaheuristic called the cuckoo optimization algorithm which is
powered by a penalty function (PFCOA) for solving the CHPED problem. Two case studies of the CHPED are presented and the results are compared to those obtained by several other
optimization techniques applied in the literature. It has been proven that the implemented PFCOA is superior.
business-process and the system-modeler viewpoints, compare and contrast various algorithms for picking from a carousel, and discuss the simulation modeling logic of one such algorithm in detail. The results and conclusions from simulations of two carousel systems are presented.
First. we present an introductory overview of a simulation study motivating a detailed examination of carousels. Next, we define a carousel and present an overview of the picking operation relative to a carousel. We then describe four algorithms for picking and discuss in detail the representation of these algorithms within simulation models, followed by a presentation of results from such simulations. In conclusion, we
summarize carousel-configuration and picking algorithm
conclusions.
manufacturing sector of the economy, has diversified into all sectors. Companies new to simulation often seek entry to this technology via retention of a consulting partner company already highly experienced and competent in its application. Too often, however, the company striving to incorporate simulation into its armoury of analytical and problem-solving tools becomes mired in dependency upon consultants
indefinitely, even for what should be relatively routine
modifications and extensions of the model originally
constructed. In this paper is documented a successful, even rapid, emergence from such dependency – a client achieving self-sufficiency in simulation.
simulation education to both these curricula approximately coincides with the accessibility of simulation analyses via skillful programming in computer languages on mainframes and
significantly precedes the availability of desktop computers and their specialized, largely point-&-click software tools. The simulation educator, whether teaching within a college of
engineering (and most likely the sub-discipline of industrial engineering) or within a college of business or management, has various valuable opportunities to emphasize the reliance of
simulation upon prerequisite and concurrent course work. Likewise, educators in related disciplines have opportunities to stress the usefulness of material taught in their courses to
simulation analyses. When fully exploited, these cross-fertilization opportunities enhance collegiality, student motivation, and retention and integration of important concepts and techniques. In this paper, we explain these opportunities, particularly with respect to statistical concepts, computer analysis and programming skills, industrial engineering and managerial observations, and interpersonal and teamwork skills. Broadly stated, we undertake the examination of both “how the simulation educator can support the educator of related disciplines,” and the converse “how the educator of disciplines related to simulation can support the instructor of simulation.”
geographically), more complex, and more important to the
financial health of companies participating in them, the
efficiency of operations in warehouses correspondingly
increases in importance. Historically, it did not take long for simulation technology, originally heavily used in the analysis of manufacturing operations, to earn high regard as a powerful analytical tool for the improvement of warehouse operations. In the study examined in this paper, a warehouse accepts a variety of product shipments which must travel along conveyors to be protectively stretch-wrapped before they are stored for later picking. Simulation and its accompanying statistical techniques were used to assess and optimize the configuration of machines, material-handling equipment, and labor.
application of simulation, a Tier I automotive industry supplier, beset with these economic pressures, sought to improve the productivity and efficiency of a test-&-inspection line being designed for an automotive engine plant. Simulation was successfully used to design this line to meet stringent requirements of productivity, low original equipment cost, and low operating cost. Via comparison of multiple alternatives, this simulation study identified potential bottlenecks and produced
recommendations for their improvement or removal.
Less frequently, but very usefully, simulation has been applied to customized manufacturing or fabrication applications, such as the building of ships to individualized specifications. In the case study described in this paper, simulation was successfully
applied, in synergy with other techniques of industrial engineering, to assess and increase the throughput capacity of a manufacturer of custom-built personal jet airplanes with a four-to-six passenger (plus moderate amounts of luggage) carrying capacity.
We here describe the application of simulation to a heavily trafficked cafeteria. Bursley Dining Hall is one of many large and busy cafeterias provided by the University of Michigan
Housing Department. During peak hours (typically driven by class schedules), long queues develop at some buffet stations. For this project, the analysts simulated the current cafeteria operations and analyzed various improvement plans. The result was recommendations which significantly reduced queuing times and increased fiscal soundness of cafeteria operations.
the challenges these developments impose, it is vital that simulation educators aggressively and innovatively improve the teaching of simulation. To this end, we explore the application of constructive alignment concepts in simulation education, and compare and contrast its application in the context of two
university course offerings. These concepts suggest continuation of some practices and revision of others
relative to the learning objectives, learning activities, and assessment tasks in these and other simulation courses.
In the present study, simulation consultants and client manufacturing personnel worked jointly to develop a generic simulation model to assess in-line storage and retrieval requirements just upstream of typical vehicle final assembly operations, such as adding fluids, installing seats, emplacing the instrument panel, and mounting the tires. Such a final assembly line receives vehicles from the paint line. The generic model permits assessment of both in-line vehicle storage [ILVS] requirements and AS/RS [automatic storage/retrieval system] configuration and performance when designing or reconfiguring vehicle paint and/or final assembly lines. The AS/RS is the physical implementation of the ILVS. These assessments, at the user’s option, are based upon current production conditions and anticipated future body and paint complexities.
machining increases and an optimization solution must be undertaken. In this paper, the total production time is minimized by resorting to a powerful bio-inspired algorithm, called the cuckoo optimization algorithm. The constraints are successfully handled and the optimal results are compared with those available in the literature. It is shown that the present results are better.
consideration different kind of constraints. This research investigates the first implementation of a prevailing bio-inspired metaheuristic called the cuckoo optimization algorithm which is
powered by a penalty function (PFCOA) for solving the CHPED problem. Two case studies of the CHPED are presented and the results are compared to those obtained by several other
optimization techniques applied in the literature. It has been proven that the implemented PFCOA is superior.
business-process and the system-modeler viewpoints, compare and contrast various algorithms for picking from a carousel, and discuss the simulation modeling logic of one such algorithm in detail. The results and conclusions from simulations of two carousel systems are presented.
First. we present an introductory overview of a simulation study motivating a detailed examination of carousels. Next, we define a carousel and present an overview of the picking operation relative to a carousel. We then describe four algorithms for picking and discuss in detail the representation of these algorithms within simulation models, followed by a presentation of results from such simulations. In conclusion, we
summarize carousel-configuration and picking algorithm
conclusions.
manufacturing sector of the economy, has diversified into all sectors. Companies new to simulation often seek entry to this technology via retention of a consulting partner company already highly experienced and competent in its application. Too often, however, the company striving to incorporate simulation into its armoury of analytical and problem-solving tools becomes mired in dependency upon consultants
indefinitely, even for what should be relatively routine
modifications and extensions of the model originally
constructed. In this paper is documented a successful, even rapid, emergence from such dependency – a client achieving self-sufficiency in simulation.
simulation education to both these curricula approximately coincides with the accessibility of simulation analyses via skillful programming in computer languages on mainframes and
significantly precedes the availability of desktop computers and their specialized, largely point-&-click software tools. The simulation educator, whether teaching within a college of
engineering (and most likely the sub-discipline of industrial engineering) or within a college of business or management, has various valuable opportunities to emphasize the reliance of
simulation upon prerequisite and concurrent course work. Likewise, educators in related disciplines have opportunities to stress the usefulness of material taught in their courses to
simulation analyses. When fully exploited, these cross-fertilization opportunities enhance collegiality, student motivation, and retention and integration of important concepts and techniques. In this paper, we explain these opportunities, particularly with respect to statistical concepts, computer analysis and programming skills, industrial engineering and managerial observations, and interpersonal and teamwork skills. Broadly stated, we undertake the examination of both “how the simulation educator can support the educator of related disciplines,” and the converse “how the educator of disciplines related to simulation can support the instructor of simulation.”
geographically), more complex, and more important to the
financial health of companies participating in them, the
efficiency of operations in warehouses correspondingly
increases in importance. Historically, it did not take long for simulation technology, originally heavily used in the analysis of manufacturing operations, to earn high regard as a powerful analytical tool for the improvement of warehouse operations. In the study examined in this paper, a warehouse accepts a variety of product shipments which must travel along conveyors to be protectively stretch-wrapped before they are stored for later picking. Simulation and its accompanying statistical techniques were used to assess and optimize the configuration of machines, material-handling equipment, and labor.
application of simulation, a Tier I automotive industry supplier, beset with these economic pressures, sought to improve the productivity and efficiency of a test-&-inspection line being designed for an automotive engine plant. Simulation was successfully used to design this line to meet stringent requirements of productivity, low original equipment cost, and low operating cost. Via comparison of multiple alternatives, this simulation study identified potential bottlenecks and produced
recommendations for their improvement or removal.
Less frequently, but very usefully, simulation has been applied to customized manufacturing or fabrication applications, such as the building of ships to individualized specifications. In the case study described in this paper, simulation was successfully
applied, in synergy with other techniques of industrial engineering, to assess and increase the throughput capacity of a manufacturer of custom-built personal jet airplanes with a four-to-six passenger (plus moderate amounts of luggage) carrying capacity.
We here describe the application of simulation to a heavily trafficked cafeteria. Bursley Dining Hall is one of many large and busy cafeterias provided by the University of Michigan
Housing Department. During peak hours (typically driven by class schedules), long queues develop at some buffet stations. For this project, the analysts simulated the current cafeteria operations and analyzed various improvement plans. The result was recommendations which significantly reduced queuing times and increased fiscal soundness of cafeteria operations.
the challenges these developments impose, it is vital that simulation educators aggressively and innovatively improve the teaching of simulation. To this end, we explore the application of constructive alignment concepts in simulation education, and compare and contrast its application in the context of two
university course offerings. These concepts suggest continuation of some practices and revision of others
relative to the learning objectives, learning activities, and assessment tasks in these and other simulation courses.
processed by the system. Many of the integer values are binary; for example, a machine is in working order or down, a worker is present or absent, a freight elevator is occupied or vacant. Processes with these characteristics are common in manufacturing, warehousing, transport, health care, retailing, and service industries.