Discrete simulation-based optimization methods for industrial engineering problems: A systematic literature review

• Published in: Computers & industrial engineering 2019-02, Vol.128, p.526-540
• Main Authors: Trigueiro de Sousa Junior, Wilson, Barra Montevechi, José Arnaldo, de Carvalho Miranda, Rafael, Teberga Campos, Afonso
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Discrete event simulation; Industrial engineering; Optimization
• ISSN: 0360-8352; 1879-0550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cie.2018.12.073

•A systematic literature review on simulation-based optimization is proposed.•Research questions related the kind of problems and the resources used.•The focus was the application on Industrial Engineering problems. In recent years, some attention has been driven to modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques capable of representing and improving discrete event systems. These techniques can support decision making helping to determine the best scenario on a combinatorial search space with stochastic variables. This paper presents findings from a systematic literature review of discrete simulation-based optimization applied to industrial engineering problems. It indicates the most frequent contexts, problems, methods, tools, and intended results of discrete-simulation based studies published in the last 25 years (1991–2016) in scientific journals and conference proceedings. The four research questions presented a scenario to help practitioners and researchers to develop simulation optimization projects for industrial engineering problems. A conclusion presented the gap and prospects found during the writing of the research.