WSC 2003 Final Abstracts

Panel Session: The Future of the Winter Simulation Conference
Daniel T. Brunner (Systemflow Simulations, Inc.), James O. Henriksen (Wolverine Software Corporation), Ricki G. Ingalls (Oklahoma State University), Mani S. Manivannan (Vector SCM, A CNF Company), Barry L. Nelson (Northwestern University) and Cindy Schiess (Design Systems, Inc.)

Abstract:
The Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) is traditionally known as the most important annual conference serving the discrete event simulation community. The purpose of this panel session is to generate discussion about the nature of WSC in the future and about its future role in the overall simulation community. There are many reasons to do this. It is important to the communities currently served by WSC, critical to the conference itself, and in a broad sense significant to the future of simulation itself. In keeping with the track theme of discussing the future of simulation, it makes sense to discuss the future of the most important discrete-event simulation event.

Simulation Standards: Current Status, Needs, and Future Directions
Charles McLean and Swee K. Leong (National Institute of Standards & Technology), Charley Harrell (ProModel Solutions), Philomena M. Zimmerman (Defense Modeling & Simulation Office) and Roberto F. Lu (The Boeing Company)

Abstract:
How could the manufacturing modeling and simulation process be improved? Today simulation analysts typically code their models from scratch and build custom data translators to import required data. Manufacturing simulations often are built as single monolithic software systems. The development of neutral, vendor-independent data formats for storing simulation models and transferring data could greatly improve the accessibility of simulation technology to industry. Simulation standards for these models and data could help to accelerate the modeling process and reduce modeling costs. How can we determine what simulation standards need to be developed? This panel will discuss simulation standards needs from the perspective of users, vendors, academia, and government.

Increasing Return on Investment from Simulation (Panel)
Randall Gibson (Automation Associates Inc.), D. J. Medeiros (Penn State University), Andrew Sudar (Rockwell Automation), Bill Waite (The AEgis Technologies Group, Inc.) and Matthew W. Rohrer (Brooks Automation)

Abstract:
Growth in the use of simulation technology has been less than expected. Today there are still many applications that could benefit from simulation, but that do not use it. As companies decide whether to use simulation, they need to consider the investment and all possible benefits. In this panel, four simulation professionals from academia and industry answer two questions about Return on In-vestment (ROI) and simulation.

The Future of the Simulation Industry
Jerry Banks (Independent Consultant), Joseph C. Hugan (Forward Vision Services), Peter Lendermann (Singapore Institute of Mfg. Technology), Charles McLean (National Inst. of Standards & Technology), Ernest H. Page (U.S. Army Model & Simulation Office), C. Dennis Pegden (Rockwell Software), Onur Ulgen (Production Modeling Corporation) and James R. Wilson (North Carolina State University)

Abstract:
Seven panelists representing a wide area of simulation interest address the future of the simulation industry. The panelists raise a host of issues. But, they also offer solutions addressing the issues that they raise.

Panel: Simulation – Past, Present and Future
Russell R. Barton (The Pennsylvania State University), Paul A. Fishwick (University of Florida), James O. Henriksen (Wolverine Corporation), Robert G. Sargent (Syracuse University) and Janet M. Twomey (National Science Foundation)

Abstract:
This panel examines the progress and promise of simulation in areas of education, research and software. The panelists bring the varied perspectives of modelers and researchers, industry, academia and government.