IEG 580 Systems Simulation
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi
Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering
[email protected]
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
IE 580
Systems Simulation
Fall 2016
Simulation: An Overview of Ch1 &Ch2
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Outline
Modeling and Models
Definition
Types of Models
Simulation Models
Components of Simulation Models
Event Scheduling
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Simulation: What is it?
Simulation is imitation of a real world
system or a process over time
We simulate all the time
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Simulation: What is it?
Simulation is a very broad term:
methods and applications to imitate or mimic real systems,
usually via computer
Applies in many fields and industries
Very popular and powerful method
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Systems
A system
consists of subsystems
interacts with its
environment
to achieve its objective(s)
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Systems
Computer simulation models systems
But not the previous one, at least not yet!
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Systems
Other examples include
Bank or other personal-service operation
Transportation/logistics/distribution operation
Freeway system
Business process (insurance office)
Criminal justice system
Chemical plant
Fast-food restaurant
Supermarket
Theme park
Emergency-response system
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Models
Model requires a set of assumptions
and approximations
Studying the model has advantages:
usually much easier, faster, cheaper, safer
Can try wide-ranging ideas with the model
Often, just building the model is instructive
Model validity is an issue
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
Reasons for Modeling Systems
We model the systems
To Measure their performance
To Improve, and control their operation
To Design if they dont exists
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Playing with the Real System
Good Sides:
You are looking at the right thing
You dont need to take this class
Bad Sides:
May be too difficult or costly
May be downright impossible
Cannot compress time
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Types of Models
Physical (iconic) models
Tabletop material-handling models
Mock-ups of fast-food restaurants
Flight simulators
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Types of Models
Logical (mathematical) models
Approximations and assumptions
Often represented via computer program
Exercise the program to try things
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Logical Models
If model is simple enough, use traditional
mathematical analysis
Queueing theory
Differential equations
Linear programming, etc.
But complex systems can seldom be
validly represented by a simple analytic
model
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Simulation Models
Computer simulation refers to methods for
studying a wide variety of models of systems
Numerically evaluate on a computer
Use software to imitate the systems operations
and characteristics, often over time
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Popularity of Simulation
Most useful tools in bussiness life, 1978:
1. Statistical analysis
2. Forecasting
3. Systems Analysis
4. Information systems
5. Simulation
1979: Survey 137 large firms, which methods used?
1. Statistical analysis (93% used it)
2. Simulation (84%)
3. Followed by LP, PERT/CPM, inventory theory, NLP,
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Popularity of Simulation
1980: IIE O.R. division members
First in utility and interest simulation
First in familiarity LP
(simulation was second)
1983, 1989, 1993:
1. Statistical analysis
2. Simulation
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Pros and Cones
Pros:
Allows modeling complex systems
Allows uncertainty nonstationarity in modeling
Cones:
Dont get exact answers, only approximations,
estimates
Get random output (RIRO) from stochastic
simulations
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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Types of Simulations
Static vs. Dynamic
Does time have a role in the model?
Continuous-change vs. Discrete-change
Can the state change continuously or only at
discrete points in time?
Deterministic vs. Stochastic
Is everything for sure or is there uncertainty?
Most operational models:
Dynamic, Discrete-change, Stochastic
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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More on Discrete-change
In discrete-change systems state of the system
changes onlywhen something happens:
Torna
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Arena
Hierarchical structure
Multiple levels of
modeling
Can mix different
modeling levels together
in the same model
Often, start high then go
lower as needed
Get ease-of-use advantage of
simulators without sacrificing
modeling flexibility
Dr. Lawrence Al-Fandi - IEG 580 - Fall 2016
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