Simulation Models Supporting Multiple Assets Along the Product Life Cycle

Modelling and simulation are commonly used in modern engineering work. However, the models are often created to solve individual problems and the possibilities they offer for multiple different users are not considered. Better planning and a higher level of awareness of the existence and the capabilities of the models would enable them to be used throughout the organization and all along a product’s life cycle for a wide variety of tasks. This would give much more return on the investment made in their creation. In this article some of the theoretical and strategic concepts affecting the modelling of a lifting device are discussed. To demonstrate the versatility of the model, three cases of using the model in supporting different assets in different phases of the product’s life cycle and by different types of users are shown. The conclusions are the demonstrated ability of the well planned model to be used in supporting varied engineering assets and the need to make the models available for all who might benefit from them.