Abstract
This paper discusses the advantages of manufacturing facility simulation linked with physical systems in the industrial automation. The activities on manufacturing preparation and implementation processes of manufacturing systems have been improved using real and virtual manufacturing models. The standard reference model of enterprise and control integration is described and simulation layers in the hierarchy model are defined. The manufacturing facility simulation is linked with both physical controllers and their simulators by standard communication middleware connecting various communication protocols of the controllers and fieldbus. The applied case studies of improved processes and their advantages are explained.
