Reducing Transient Behavior in Simulation-Based Digital Twins: A Novel Initialization Approach for Order Picking Systems

In the context of facilitating operational decision-making through simulation-based digital twins, precise and expeditious synchronization of simulation models with real-system load states is paramount. Such synchronization serves to attenuate the typical transient behavior observed in material flow simulation, confining it to a brief temporal window. This paper delineates a novel conceptual framework for initializing simulation models, illustrated through an exemplar of an order picking system integrated with SAP Extended Warehouse Management as its warehouse and operation management system. Through empirical inquiry, the ramifications of the proposed initialization framework on simulation model transient behavior are scrutinized. Notably, the reference simulation model commences in a state of ‘empty’ load. The findings of this study evince that the proposed approach yields a significant improvement in transient behavior.