Modeling and simulation of systems

Methodology for simulation software selection

Slovak University of TechnologyFaculty 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. 67-75 [online] Cit. 12.12.2003 Dostupné zURL http://www.informs-cs.org/wsc02papers/010.pdf

Methodology for discrete-event simulation software selection

Realization in two phasesThe 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

Simulationteam

VendorsSelectionteam

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 phase1 – criteria is satisfied 0 – criteria is not satisfied

More detail evaluation (the second phase)

Define a scale for scoring. E.g.:3 – good2- sufficient1 – insufficient0 – feature does not exist

Model building criteria

Criterion Weight

Graphical model building 5

Merging models 4

Conditional routing 4

Statistical distribution 5

Queuing policy 4

Reuse of user defined modules 3

Built-in functions 3

Coding tools and utilities 3

Inputs data criteria

Criterion WeightInputs from text files 5

Inputs from databases 4

Inputs from spreadsheets 5

Batch inputs 3

Interactive input 5

Random number generators 5

Program generator 3

Vendor criteria

Criterion Weight

Documentation 4

Maintenance and support 5

Vendor prestige 3

Pre-purchase facility 2

Criteria for simulation run

Criterion WeightMultiple runs 5

Automatic batch runs 3

Reset capability 4

Start in non-empty state 3

Interaction with user in running mode 2

Warm-up period 5

Ability to calculate appropriate warm-up period and replications

3

Speed control 5

Self executable versions 3

Animation criteria

Criterion Weight

Integration of animation 3

Library of icons 3

Screen layout 3

Concurrent animation mode 3

Animation on/off 5

3D animation 1

Animation development feature 3

Testing and efficiency criteria

Criterion WeightError checker 5

Interacting debugger 5

Multitasking 2

Tracing 3

Breakpoints 4

Running backwards 1

Output criteria

Criterion WeightStandard report generation 4

Report customization 5

Integration with statistical packages 3

Integration with other simulation packages 3

Feature for exporting data to database 5

Feature for exporting data to spreadsheets 5

optimization 1

Output analysis feature 4

Business graphics 3

User criteria

Criterion WeightCost 2

Internet connectivity 2

Package interoperability 2

Link to different animation software 2

Application area 5

Flow oriented modeling approach 4

High level architecture 2

Support of continuous simulation 2

Simulation strategy 3

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.)