This paper details the development of a methodology for
automating much of the work associated with simulation
model development. We developed a language-neutral Excel
format for communicating system data and simulation
parameters and a Flexsim-specific model generator. Our
research was conducted in the context of large shipbuilding
manufacturing centers. The methodology lends itself to different
domains, but is biased towards industries that do
similar things. Our choices concerning appropriate levels
of abstraction were guided by assumptions regarding both
the type of system to be modeled as well as the type of decisions
the model will support