Overview
Project Number: S2891
Project Title: Shipyard-Wide Simulation Platform
Period of Performance: JAN21 – OCT23
Objective
Since the 1980s, yard-wide dynamic simulation modeling has proven highly effective in dealing with complex manufacturing issues, as demonstrated in system dynamics applications on numerous naval shipbuilding and other defense-industry programs. However, these models were built and owned or controlled by outside consultants with deep simulation expertise and could not be operated or employed continuously by naval shipbuilders themselves. This project will change that by adapting software proven in other industries to deliver and test a whole-yard simulator that naval shipbuilders can operate in-house, without system dynamics expertise. This analysis capability will reveal new ways of increasing manufacturing performance and help to ensure the success of improvement initiatives, as seen in increased delivery rates and reduced labor costs.
This Naval Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing (NSAM) Center project adapted existing system dynamics technology and software for naval shipbuilding and created a Yard-Wide Simulation Platform (YWSP) to guide strategic decision-making at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW). BIW utilized 4Sight Solutions to adapt existing system dynamics model content and simulation software to reflect the shipyard’s current programs, capabilities and conditions. The ability to incorporate the impacts of future programs was also be added to the simulator. Auto-calibration functions were added to the system to permit periodic updates to the model. Going forward, BIW will operate and maintain this asset in-house. The basis of the model and the software associated with managing the simulator in-house will be able to be adapted to other naval shipyards.
Benefits/Payoff
This project is expected to result in combined five-year savings of approximately $29.0M and an increase in five-year cumulative manufacturing throughput and deliveries of 0.6 equivalent DDGs.
Implementation
The YWSP technology is anticipated to initiate implementation activities at the BIW Bath, ME, facility in the first quarter of FY2024 and achieve full availability by the third quarter of FY2024.
*Prepared under ONR Contract N00014-19-D-7001 as part of the Navy ManTech Program.
*DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. DCN# 0543-545-23
