Modeling and simulation of systems Methodology for simulation software selection Slovak University of Technology Faculty of Material Science and Technology in Trnava

Metodika pre výber simulačného softvéru Podľa: Tewoldeberhan T. W., Verbraeck A., Valentin E., Bardonnet G.: AN EVALUATION AND SELECTION METHODOLOGY FOR DISCRETE-EVENT SIMULATION SOFTWARE In E. Yücesan, C.-H. Chen, J. L. Snowdon, and J. M. Charnes, eds. Proceedings of the 2002 Winter Simulation Conference San Diego, USA pp [online] Cit Dostupné zURL

Methodology for discrete-event simulation software selection Realization in two phases  The first phase Reduce selection to max. 10 products on the base of important criterion (K.O.) (red in tables)  The second phase Detail evaluation of software packages on the base of the next weighted criterion

Interactions during the Selection Process Simulation team Vendors Selection team Management

Criteria categories Model development Vendor Model inputs Testing and efficiency Simulation run Animation Model outputs User requirements

Weighted criteria Weight is determined to each criteria.  5 – very important(K.O.)  1 – less important Evaluation is sufficient in the first phase  1 – criteria is satisfied  0 – criteria is not satisfied

More detail evaluation (the second phase) Define a scale for scoring. E.g.:  3 – good  2- sufficient  1 – insufficient  0 – feature does not exist

Model building criteria CriterionWeight Graphical model building5 Merging models4 Conditional routing4 Statistical distribution5 Queuing policy4 Reuse of user defined modules3 Built-in functions3 Coding tools and utilities3

Inputs data criteria CriterionWeight Inputs from text files5 Inputs from databases4 Inputs from spreadsheets5 Batch inputs3 Interactive input5 Random number generators5 Program generator3

Vendor criteria Criterion Weight Documentation4 Maintenance and support5 Vendor prestige3 Pre-purchase facility2

Criteria for simulation run CriterionWeight Multiple runs5 Automatic batch runs3 Reset capability4 Start in non-empty state3 Interaction with user in running mode2 Warm-up period5 Ability to calculate appropriate warm-up period and replications 3 Speed control5 Self executable versions3

Animation criteria CriterionWeight Integration of animation3 Library of icons3 Screen layout3 Concurrent animation mode3 Animation on/off5 3D animation1 Animation development feature3

Testing and efficiency criteria CriterionWeight Error checker5 Interacting debugger5 Multitasking2 Tracing3 Breakpoints4 Running backwards1

Output criteria CriterionWeight Standard report generation4 Report customization5 Integration with statistical packages3 Integration with other simulation packages3 Feature for exporting data to database5 Feature for exporting data to spreadsheets5 optimization1 Output analysis feature4 Business graphics3

User criteria CriterionWeight Cost2 Internet connectivity2 Package interoperability2 Link to different animation software2 Application area5 Flow oriented modeling approach4 High level architecture2 Support of continuous simulation2 Simulation strategy3

Software which satisfies hard criteria Arena (Rockwell Software) AutoMod (Brooks Automation) Enterprise Dynamics 3.1 (Enterprise Dynamics) Extend (Imagine That Inc.) Pro Model (Promodel Corporation) Quest (DELMIA Corporation) Simul8 (Simul8 Corporation) Witness (Lanner Group Inc.)