WSC 2001 Final Abstracts

The Arena Product Family: Enterprise Modeling Solutions
Roderick J. Swets and Glenn R. Drake (Rockwell Software)

Abstract:
This paper introduces the Arena suite of products for modeling, simulation, and optimization highlighting product architecture and technology features that are targeted toward successful deployment of simulation and Arena throughout an enterprise.

The AutoMod Product Suite Tutorial
Brian Stanley (Brooks Automation, AutoSimulations Division)

Abstract:
Whether designing a new system or modifying an existing one, engineers want to take the guesswork out of finding the best possible solution. While there are many analysis methods for designing industrial systems, simulation remains the method that provides the highest level of confidence that a system will perform. A well-written simulation model can be a valuable tool in the design, analysis, and operation of manufacturing and other complex systems. The AutoMod Product Suite from Brooks Automation, AutoSimulations Division has been used on 1000s of projects to help engineers and managers make the best decisions possible.

The Extend Simulation Environment
David Krahl (Imagine That, Inc.)

Abstract:
The Extend simulation environment provides an integrated structure for building simulation models and developing new simulation tools. This environment supports simulation modelers on a wide range of levels. Model builders can use Extend’s pre-built modeling components to quickly build and analyze systems without programming. Simulation tool developers can use Extend’s built-in, compiled language, ModL, to develop new reusable modeling components. All of this is done within a single, self-contained software program that does not require external interfaces, compilers, or code generators.

Simulation Modeling and Optimization Using ProModel Technology
Charles R. Harrell (Brigham Young University) and Kevin C. Field (PROMODEL Corporation)

Abstract:
The ProModel Optimization Suite is a powerful yet easy-to-use simulation tool for modeling all types of manufacturing systems ranging from small job shops and machining cells to large mass production, flexible manufacturing systems, and supply chain systems. ProModel is a Windows based application with an intuitive graphical interface and object-oriented modeling constructs that eliminate the need for programming. It combines the flexibility of a general-purpose simulation language with the convenience of a data-driven simulator. The ProModel Optimization Suite includes an optimization tool called SimRunner that performs sophisticated “what-if” analysis by running automatic factorial design of experiments on the model, providing the best answer possible. This paper provides an overview of the ProModel Optimization Suite and presents its modeling, analysis, and optimization capabilities.

Healthcare Simulation Modeling and Optimization Using MedModel
Charles R. Harrell (Brigham Young University) and Victor Lange (PROMODEL Corporation)

Abstract:
MedModel is a simulation tool that allows healthcare engineers, managers and clinicians to quickly examine very complex operational and planning issues. Unlike static tools, such as spreadsheets, MedModel makes it easy to replicate the complex interactions within and between departments. These interactions quickly create problems that are simply too complex for traditional tools to answer properly. MedModel has a wealth of specific functions to accurately duplicate actual health system behavior. This paper is an examination of how capable this tool is in answering complex healthcare planning questions.

Simulation Interoperability with the Micro Saint Simulation Software and COM Services
Daniel W. Schunk and Wendy K. Bloechle (Micro Analysis & Design)

Abstract:
In today’s high tech world the need for interoperability among programs has never been more necessary. If a user were able to utilize different program’s strengths in unison, then the ability for programs to work together would greatly expand current software’s ability to analyze. In response to this request, COM Services was added to the most recent release of Micro Saint. This paper will feature an example of how to apply interoperability to the Micro Saint simulation software as well as present some examples of how to further utilize COM Services.

SDI Supply Chain Builder: Simulation from Atoms to the Enterprise
Richard A. Phelps, David J. Parsons, and Andrew J. Siprelle (Simulation Dynamics, Inc.)

Abstract:
The SDI Supply Chain Builder Product Suite is a high-level simulation toolset that provides solutions to enterprise problems. The product suite contains four specific elements for enterprise modeling: SDI Supply Chain Builder for supply/distribution chains, SDI Plant Builder for multi-stage plants driven by schedules, Extend+Industry for high-speed, high-volume production line modeling, and the SDI DataFramework for high-speed data import and export. These elements can be expanded for use in modeling of smaller projects such as a single packaging line to large-scale projects such as a worldwide supply chain.

CSIM19: A Powerful Tool for Building System Models
Herb Schwetman (Mesquite Software, Inc.)

Abstract:
CSIM19 is the latest version of the system modeling toolkit from Mesquite Software. CSIM19 offers many features that enable a modeler to develop robust and realistic models of complex systems. These models represent the system as a collection of processes and resources; in most cases the processes mimic the behavior of the entities of the system as they compete for use of the system’s resources. This paper presents CSIM19 and the new features in CSIM19. These features include new capabilities for managing processes at facilities, enhanced handling of messages at mailboxes, and performance improvements. Using the OptQuest optimization package with CSIM19 is also discussed. The talk concludes with an extended example.

How the ExpertFit Distribution-Fitting Software Can Make Your Simulation Models More Valid
Averill M. Law and Michael G. McComas (Averill Law & Associates)

Abstract:
In this paper, we discuss the critical role of simulation input modeling in a successful simulation study. Two pitfalls in simulation input modeling are then presented and we explain how any analyst, regardless of their knowledge of statistics, can easily avoid these pitfalls through the use of the ExpertFit distribution-fitting software. We use a set of real-world data to demonstrate how the software automatically specifies and ranks probability distributions, and then tells the analyst whether the “best” candidate distribution is actually a good representation of the data. If no distribution provides a good fit, then ExpertFit can define an empirical distribution. In either case, the selected distribution is put into the proper format for direct input to the analyst’s simulation software.

SML and Silk for Java-Based, Object-Oriented Simulation
Richard A. Kilgore (ThreadTec)

Abstract:
The Simulation Modeling Language (SML™) is an open source, web-based, simulation development project to be guided by a consortium of industrial, academic and government simulation consultants, practitioners and developers. SML represents an attempt to coordinate the global development of open source simulation software libraries in a number of programming languages to foster industry standards and collaboration. Open source SML will encourage the simulation-related development of emerging technologies and standards like XML and generally enhance the quality, flexibility and validity of simulation models and improve simulation language design. This paper describes the SML software, the goals of the SML organization and relates the origins, philosophy and procedures of the open source movement to the objectives and needs of the simulation community.

Taylor Enterprise Dynamics
William B. Nordgren (Enterprise Dynamics (formerly F&H Simulations))

Abstract:
Taylor Enterprise Dynamics (Taylor ED) is an object-oriented software system used to model, simulate, visualize, and monitor dynamic-flow process activities and systems. Atoms are Taylor ED’s smart objects and model building resources. In addition to Taylor ED’s standard atom libraries, users can create new atoms themselves. Taylor ED’s object-oriented architecture provides users with the ability to enhance and increase the functionality of the Taylor ED software system. It also provides simulation experts with a platform on which to create new simulation software programs for specific industries or for specific applications. Historically, Taylor ED has been used to model manufacturing, warehousing, and material handling processes. The software is being used more and more to model, simulate, and visualize service and data flow processes. In addition to these traditional uses, Taylor ED is also used to monitor flow processes in real-time. This paper briefly describes the uses and benefits of Taylor ED.