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Introduction To Simulation: An Example of A Simulation Model

This document provides an introduction to simulation. It defines simulation as experimenting with a simplified imitation of a system over time in order to better understand and improve the system. Discrete event simulation specifically imitates how a system evolves over discrete points in time. Simulation allows experimenting with "what if" scenarios without disrupting real operations. While time consuming, simulation has advantages like exploring policies without impacting a real system and representing complex systems. The document provides examples of simulation applications and discusses simulating by hand, spreadsheets, programming languages, and simulation packages.

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67 views

Introduction To Simulation: An Example of A Simulation Model

This document provides an introduction to simulation. It defines simulation as experimenting with a simplified imitation of a system over time in order to better understand and improve the system. Discrete event simulation specifically imitates how a system evolves over discrete points in time. Simulation allows experimenting with "what if" scenarios without disrupting real operations. While time consuming, simulation has advantages like exploring policies without impacting a real system and representing complex systems. The document provides examples of simulation applications and discusses simulating by hand, spreadsheets, programming languages, and simulation packages.

Uploaded by

nicusorandries
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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16/01/2018

INTRODUCTION TO
SIMULATION
Dr. Chee Khian Sim
Logistics, Operational Research and Analytics
Group
[email protected]

An Example of a Simulation Model

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16/01/2018

What is Simulation?
• In general, simulation is an imitation of a real-
world system.
• Dynamic simulation vs static simulation.
• Dynamic simulation imitates the operation of a real-world system
as it evolves over time.
• A discrete system is one in which events happen
at discrete points in time.
• E.g., A hospital A&E: an event is the arrival of a patient.
• We are concerned with discrete-event
simulation in this unit.

What is Simulation? (Cont.)


• Simulation is an experimental approach to
problem solving.
• “What-if” analysis tool.
• Contrast with other solution approaches –
attempt to find optimum solutions (e.g.
simplex method) or near optimum
solutions (e.g. heuristic, meta-heuristics
methods).

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16/01/2018

What is Simulation? (Cont.)


Simulation is defined as:
Experimentation with a simplified imitation
(on a computer) of an operations system
• As it progresses through time.
• For the purpose of better understanding
and/or improving that system.

An operations system is a configuration of


resources [parts] combined for the provision of
goods or services [purpose].

Advantages of Simulation
• Explore new policies, operating procedures, etc,
without disrupting the ongoing operations in the
real system.
• Test new layouts, transportation systems, etc,
without needing extra resources.
• Represent a complex system, and improve
understanding of the system.
• Time can be compressed or expanded.

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Disadvantages of Simulation
• Most simulation packages are very expensive.
• Need sufficient data to develop and run a
simulation model.
• Simulation is a time consuming approach.
• There is a danger that anything produced on a
computer is seen to be right.

Applications of Simulation
Examples of systems that can be modelled by
simulation:
• Restaurant and entertainment systems.
• Service and retail systems.
• Manufacturing systems.
• Public systems: healthcare, military, etc.
• Transportation systems.
• Construction systems.

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16/01/2018

How to Simulate?
• By hand
• (see the following example)
• By spreadsheets
• Microsoft Excel.
• By programming languages
• Java, Visual Basic, C++.
• By simulation packages
• Micro Saint Sharp, SIMUL8.

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Customers Using a Single Server

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Customers Using a Single Server (Cont.)

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A Simulation by Hand

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A Simulation by Hand (Cont.)


By using the simulation, we can obtain measures
of performance such as:
• Average waiting time for customer = 1.25
• Prob(an arriving customer has to wait) = 0.75
• Utilisation of server = 0.66

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