Högskolan i Skövde

Advanced digital technologies are developed and implemented to address challenges in complex manufacturing systems. Two well-known technologies in this domain are virtual commissioning and discrete-event modeling and simulation. These simulation tools are supported by well-substantiated theoretical frameworks and proven in industrial applications. However, the two approaches target different aspects of production systems and their combination is not extensively researched, thereby motivating this study. This paper reviews existing literature on the combination of these simulation approaches, aiming to identify current opportunities, challenges, and research gaps, while proposing innovative directions for future exploration informed by the findings. The results suggest future research should explore combining VC and DES to enable test-driven development, reduce modeling effort through joint model design, and extend simulation model usability across the production system life cycle.