WSC 2003 Final Abstracts

How the ExpertFit Distribution-Fitting Software can make your Simulation Models more Valid
Averill M. Law and Michael G. McComas (Averill M. Law & Associates, Inc.)

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.

Simulation Modeling Using ProModel Technology
Charles R. Harrell (Brigham Young University) and Rochelle N. Price (PROMODEL Corporation)

Abstract:
PROMODEL’s simulation modeling products are powerful yet easy-to-use simulation tools for modeling all types of systems and processes. ProModel is designed to model manufacturing systems ranging from small job shops and machining cells to large mass production, flexible manufacturing systems, and supply chain systems. Other simulation products available from PROMODEL Corporation include MedModel, ServiceModel, and our latest release, ProModel PI (for process improvement). These products are Windows based applications with intuitive graphical interfaces and object-oriented modeling constructs, eliminating the need for programming. They combine the flexibility of a general-purpose simulation language with the convenience of data-driven simulators. This paper provides an overview of ProModel and its modeling, analysis, and optimization capabilities.

Micro Saint Sharp Simulation Software
Wendy K. Bloechle and Daniel Schunk (Micro Analysis & Design)

Abstract:
For the past nineteen years, Micro Saint simulation software has been helping the military and other commercial companies answer questions on how to improve performance and utilization for their various processes. Recently, Micro Saint has been redesigned to be faster, modular and more powerful. Because these changes represent such a major change from the original Micro Saint, we are releasing a brand new tool called Micro Saint Sharp. Micro Saint Sharp is still a general purpose tool that can be used to provide solutions ranging from queuing problems involving hospital waiting rooms to complex human decision processes involving future command and control systems. This paper will provide an overview of Micro Saint Sharp and present some of its new modeling capabilities.

Extend: An Interactive Simulation Tool
David Krahl (Imagine That, Inc.)

Abstract:
The Extend simulation environment provides the tools for all levels of modelers to efficiently create accurate, credible, and usable models. Extend’s design facilitates every phase of the simulation project, from creating, validating, and verifying the model, to the construction of a user interface which allows others to analyze the system. Simulation tool developers can use Extend’s built-in, compiled language, ModL, to create 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.

FlexSim Simulation Environment
William B. Nordgren (Flexsim Software Products, Inc.)

Abstract:
Flexsim is an object-oriented software environment used to develop, model, simulate, visualize, and monitor dynamic-flow process activities and systems. Flexsim is a complete suite of development tools to develop and compile simulation applications. There are 3 levels of use within the Flexsim environment: 1) The Flexsim Compiler, 2) The Flexsim Developer, and 3) Flexsim Application products. The Flexsim environment is completely integrated with the C++ compiler and uses flexscript (a C++ library that is pre-compiled) or C++ directly. All animation is OpenGL and boasts incredible virtual reality animation. Animation can be shown in tree view, 2D, 3D, and virtual reality. All views can be shown concurrently during the model development or run phase. Flexsim has been used to model manufacturing, warehousing, material handling processes, semiconductor manufacturing, marine container terminal processes, and shared access storage network (SANS) simulation. This paper briefly describes the uses and benefits of the Flexsim Simulation Environment.

Maximizing Simulation ROI with AutoMod
Matthew W. Rohrer (Brooks Automation)

Abstract:
Simulation modeling and analysis requires an investment in human resources and software. And the rewards from using simulation are significant. Many companies fine tune their operations and reduce waste using simulation. But in the end, every time modeling and analysis are performed, a decision has to be made whether the simulation is “worth doing” (Waite 1999). In this paper we will enumerate how AutoMod has been used to improve return on investment (ROI) from simulation.

The Arena Product Family: Enterprise Modeling Solutions
Vivek Bapat and David T. Sturrock (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.

Object-Oriented Simulation with SML and Silk in .Net and Java
Richard A. Kilgore (SML Simulation Services)

Abstract:
This tutorial is for advanced simulation developers engaged in the use of object-oriented programming languages and libraries that support object-oriented, discrete-event simulation. The tutorial is based on generic structures common to SML simulation libraries in the .Net languages VB.Net, C# and J# and the Silk libraries in Java. The focus of the tutorial is on the use of consistent design patterns that encourage usability, reusability and cross-language compatibility. Particular emphasis is placed on designing and coding object-oriented simulation models to properly transfer simulation control between entities, resources and system controllers, and on techniques for obtaining a one-to-one correspondence between simulation code and system behavior.

Towards Simulation-Based Business Process Management
Jon H. Weyland and Michael Engiles (CACI International, Inc.)

Abstract:
Simulation and optimization of business processes can provide a basis for Business Process Management.