Modeling and simulation in product development

Abstract

As part of the product development cycle, the Xerox Corporation has evolved a modeling and simulation methodology. This paper describes the approach, its use, and value in product development. To provide a common basis for understanding the modeling activities to be discussed, a brief overview of the xerographic process as used in our current duplicator copier products is described. Each of the functions is discussed in terms of how they contribute to the overall systems model and how they are linked together in this model. A brief description of the data acquisition system used for model validation is included. A discussion of the FORTRAN-based simulation language, analysis tools, and its flexibility is presented. The application of this modeling approach at Xerox is illustrated. The applications are the optimization of performance parameters, subsystem requirements, tolerances, aging, and setpoints, as well as the examination of the performance of a population. These population studies encompass customer utilization and service interactions. The advantages of this process will be discussed, including the design efficiencies enabled, service policy optimization, and field performance projection of the product population.