Virtual Manufacturing Simulation User Group 🏭

Advancing virtual manufacturing through collaborative simulation research and open-source innovation

Welcome to the Virtual Manufacturing Simulation (VMS) User Group – a collaborative community dedicated to advancing manufacturing simulation technologies, digital twins, and virtual factory environments. Our mission is to bridge academic research with industrial applications through shared knowledge, standardised methodologies, and open-source tools.

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🎯 What We Do

The VMS User Group brings together researchers, engineers, and practitioners to:

• Develop standardised simulation methodologies for manufacturing applications
• Share templates, tools, and best practices across the community
• Collaborate on cutting-edge research in digital twins and virtual manufacturing
• Support knowledge transfer between academia and industry
• Advance the field through open-source innovation and peer review

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🚀 Quick Start

For New Users

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/vms-community/virtual-manufacturing-simulation.git

# Navigate to the project directory
cd virtual-manufacturing-simulation

# Explore the templates
ls templates/

# Start with a basic DES project
cp -r templates/des-project-template my-first-simulation

For Contributors

1. Fork this repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/new-simulation-tool
3. Make your changes following our contributing guidelines
4. Submit a pull request with a clear description

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📁 Repository Structure

virtual-manufacturing-simulation/
├── 📊 templates/                    # Ready-to-use project templates
│   ├── des-project-template/        # Discrete Event Simulation
│   ├── vr-simulation-template/      # Virtual Reality applications
│   ├── digital-twin-template/       # Real-time monitoring systems
│   └── hybrid-simulation-template/  # Multi-paradigm approaches
│
├── 🔬 examples/                     # Real-world case studies
│   ├── fudge-production-optimisation/   # Food manufacturing
│   ├── aerospace-wing-production/       # Aerospace sector
│   ├── offshore-wind-assembly/          # Renewable energy
│   └── semiconductor-packaging/         # Electronics industry
│
├── 🛠️ tools/                       # Utilities and connectors
│   ├── data-interoperability/      # Cross-platform data exchange
│   ├── validation-frameworks/      # Statistical validation tools
│   └── visualisation-components/   # Dashboard and reporting tools
│
├── 📚 docs/                        # Comprehensive documentation
│   ├── getting-started/            # Tutorials for beginners
│   ├── methodology/                # DES project roadmap
│   ├── best-practices/             # Industry guidelines
│   └── api-reference/              # Technical specifications
│
└── 🧪 research/                    # Academic contributions
    ├── papers/                     # Published research
    ├── case-studies/               # Detailed project analyses
    └── datasets/                   # Anonymised research data

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