Introduction To Simulation
Introduction To Simulation
Introduction to Simulation
Introduction to Simulation
Simulation
the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time
to develop a set of assumptions of mathematical, logical, and symbolic
relationship between the entities of interest, of the system.
to estimate the measures of performance of the system with the
simulation-generated data
Advantages
New polices, operating procedures, decision rules, information flows,
organizational procedures, and so on can be explored without disrupting
ongoing operations of the real system.
New hardware designs, physical layouts, transportation systems, and so
on, can be tested without committing resources for their acquisition.
Hypotheses about how or why certain phenomena occur can be tested
for feasibility.
Insight can be obtained about the interaction of variables.
Insight can be obtained about the importance of variables to the
performance of the system.
Bottleneck analysis can be performed indicating where work-in-process,
information, materials, and so on are being excessively delayed.
A simulation study can help in understanding how the system operates
rather than how individuals think the system operates.
“What-if” questions can be answered. This is particularly useful in the
design of new system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation (2)
Disadvantages
Model building requires special training. It is an art that is learned over
time and through experience. Furthermore, if two models are
constructed by two competent individuals, they may have similarities,
but it is highly unlikely that they will be the same.
Simulation results may be difficult to interpret. Since most simulation
outputs are essentially random variables (they are usually based on
random inputs), it may be hard to determine whether an observation is
a result of system interrelationships or randomness.
Simulation modeling and analysis can be time consuming and
expensive. Skimping on resources for modeling and analysis may result
in a simulation model or analysis that is not sufficient for the task.
Simulation is used in some cases when an analytical solution is
possible, or even preferable. This might be particularly true in the
simulation of some waiting lines where closed-form queueing models
are available.
Areas of Application (1)