Abstract
Systemic approach to design of factories requires that engineering, organisational and economic aspects should be considered concurrently. That prompts the need to develop a solution, based on the state-of-the-art IT technologies, to enable us to solve the problems associated with foundry production planning. The paper outlines a methodology of creating the simulation model of a virtual foundry, as a tool for foundry design. An integrative approach is suggested for development of a complete foundry model, enabling the design of more efficient production systems. The underlying principles of such models are discussed, the basic stages involved in the methodology are outlined and the range of its applicability is defined.
