MAXX: A manufacturing oriented simulator

MAXX is a manufacturing oriented simulator designed for detailed modeling and analyses of a manufacturing line. MAXX Version 4 is designed to evaluate a manufacturing line not only for steady-state long-term performance, (but also for transient performance) based on short-term production schedules. At the same time, it is easy and efficient to use. A methodology for dealing with the tradeoff is described. Central to the methodology is bottom-up design, which involves understanding the customer's needs and incremental enhancement. A secondary concept in the methodology is systems integration. These concepts are explained in the development methodology for MAXX.