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Distributed Simulation Activity

This document outlines a laboratory activity for a course on Quantitative Modeling and Simulation, focusing on creating a distributed simulation model in Microsoft Excel. Students will set up a multi-sheet simulation representing a supply chain with components such as Supplier, Manufacturer, Distributor, and Retailer, using Excel functions to exchange data dynamically. The activity includes step-by-step instructions for setting up the model, implementing the flow of goods, simulating over multiple weeks, and analyzing results with charts.

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Ashleyanne Pabilan
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2 views

Distributed Simulation Activity

This document outlines a laboratory activity for a course on Quantitative Modeling and Simulation, focusing on creating a distributed simulation model in Microsoft Excel. Students will set up a multi-sheet simulation representing a supply chain with components such as Supplier, Manufacturer, Distributor, and Retailer, using Excel functions to exchange data dynamically. The activity includes step-by-step instructions for setting up the model, implementing the flow of goods, simulating over multiple weeks, and analyzing results with charts.

Uploaded by

Ashleyanne Pabilan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Laboratory Activity: Distributed Simulation in MS Excel

Course: Quantitative Modeling and Simulation


Topic: Distributed Simulation using MS Excel
Objective: To understand the basics of distributed simulation by creating a simple multi-sheet
simulation model in Microsoft Excel that mimics a real-world system.

Overview:

This laboratory activity will guide students in setting up a distributed simulation using multiple Excel
worksheets. Each sheet will represent a different component of a system, and data will be exchanged
between them dynamically using Excel functions. The activity will simulate a supply chain, where
different entities (Supplier, Manufacturer, Distributor, and Retailer) interact.

Materials Needed:

 Microsoft Excel (2016 or later)

 A computer with MS Excel installed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Set Up the Excel Workbook

1. Open MS Excel and create a new workbook.

2. Rename Sheet1 as Supplier, Sheet2 as Manufacturer, Sheet3 as Distributor, and Sheet4 as


Retailer.

Step 2: Define Inputs for Each Entity

1. Supplier Sheet:

o Create columns: Week, Raw Material Stock, Demand from Manufacturer, Supply Sent.

o Enter an initial value for Raw Material Stock (e.g., 1000 units).

o Leave Demand from Manufacturer blank for now.

2. Manufacturer Sheet:

o Create columns: Week, Inventory, Orders from Distributor, Production, Material


Ordered from Supplier.

o Use =Supplier!B2 to link Material Ordered to Demand from Manufacturer in the


Supplier sheet.

3. Distributor Sheet:
o Create columns: Week, Stock, Orders from Retailer, Supply to Retailer, Order to
Manufacturer.

o Use =Manufacturer!C2 to link Order to Manufacturer to Orders from Distributor in the


Manufacturer sheet.

4. Retailer Sheet:

o Create columns: Week, Stock, Customer Demand, Orders to Distributor.

o Set Customer Demand using a formula like =RANDBETWEEN(50,150).

o Use =Distributor!C2 to link Orders to Distributor to Orders from Retailer in Distributor


sheet.

Step 3: Implement the Flow of Goods

1. Use Excel formulas to simulate supply and demand:

o Update inventory levels: =Previous Inventory + Incoming Supply - Outgoing Orders.

o Propagate orders and supplies between sheets using cell references.

o Use =MIN(Order, Available Stock) to ensure supply does not exceed stock.

2. Apply Conditional Formatting:

o Highlight critical stock levels (e.g., red if stock < 50).

o Use green for optimal stock levels.

Step 4: Simulate Over Multiple Weeks

1. Extend the table for multiple weeks:

o Copy the formulas across 10 rows to represent 10 weeks of simulation.

2. Automate updates with a macro (optional for advanced students):

o Open Developer > Visual Basic.

o Insert a new module and add the following VBA script:

o Sub UpdateSimulation()

o Dim ws As Worksheet

o For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets

o If ws.Name <> "Retailer" Then

o ws.Range("B2:B10").Value = ws.Range("C2:C10").Value

o End If

o Next ws
o End Sub

o Run the macro to copy values forward and update stock dynamically.

Step 5: Analyze Results with Charts

1. Create the following charts:

o Inventory levels over time.

o Order trends.

o Supplier stock trends.

2. Interpret trends and identify system bottlenecks.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does order fluctuation impact supply chain stability?

2. What strategies can be used to optimize stock levels?

3. How does distributed simulation help in decision-making for a supply chain?

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