Lecture 1

Introduction to Simulation
Introduction to Simulation

Real-world A set of assumptions

Modeling
process concerning the behavior of a system & Analysis

Simulation
 the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time
 to develop a set of assumptions of mathematical, logical, and symbolic
relationship between the entities of interest, of the system.
 to estimate the measures of performance of the system with the
simulation-generated data

Simulation modeling can be used

 as an analysis tool for predicting the effect of changes to existing systems
 as a design tool to predict the performance of new systems
When Simulation is the Appropriate Tool (1)

Simulation enables the study of, and experimentation with, the

internal interactions of a complex system, or of a subsystem within
a complex system.
Informational, organizational, and environmental changes can be
simulated, and the effect of these alterations on the model’s
behavior can be observed.
The knowledge gained in designing a simulation model may be of
great value toward suggesting improvement in the system under
investigation.
By changing simulation inputs and observing the resulting outputs,
valuable insight may be obtained into which variables are most
important and how variables interact.
Simulation can be used as a pedagogical (Educational) device to
reinforce analytic solution methodologies.
When Simulation is the Appropriate Tool (2)

Simulation can be used to experiment with new designs or policies

prior to implementation, so as to prepare for what may happen.
Simulation can be used to verify analytic solutions.
By simulating different capabilities for a machine, requirements can
be determined.
Simulation models designed for training allow learning without the
cost and disruption of on-the-job learning.
Animation shows a system in simulated operation so that the plan
can be visualized.
The modern system (factory, wafer fabrication plant, service
organization, etc.) is so complex that the interactions can be
treated only through simulation.
When Simulation is not Appropriate

When the problem can be solved using common sense.

When the problem can be solved analytically.
When it is easier to perform direct experiments.
When the simulation costs exceed the savings.
When the resources or time are not available.
When system behavior is too complex or can’t be defined.
When there isn’t the ability to verify and validate the model.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation (1)

Advantages
 New polices, operating procedures, decision rules, information flows,
organizational procedures, and so on can be explored without disrupting
ongoing operations of the real system.
 New hardware designs, physical layouts, transportation systems, and so
on, can be tested without committing resources for their acquisition.
 Hypotheses about how or why certain phenomena occur can be tested
for feasibility.
 Insight can be obtained about the interaction of variables.
 Insight can be obtained about the importance of variables to the
performance of the system.
 Bottleneck analysis can be performed indicating where work-in-process,
information, materials, and so on are being excessively delayed.
 A simulation study can help in understanding how the system operates
rather than how individuals think the system operates.
 “What-if” questions can be answered. This is particularly useful in the
design of new system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation (2)

Disadvantages
 Model building requires special training. It is an art that is learned over
time and through experience. Furthermore, if two models are
constructed by two competent individuals, they may have similarities,
but it is highly unlikely that they will be the same.
 Simulation results may be difficult to interpret. Since most simulation
outputs are essentially random variables (they are usually based on
random inputs), it may be hard to determine whether an observation is
a result of system interrelationships or randomness.
 Simulation modeling and analysis can be time consuming and
expensive. Skimping on resources for modeling and analysis may result
in a simulation model or analysis that is not sufficient for the task.
 Simulation is used in some cases when an analytical solution is
possible, or even preferable. This might be particularly true in the
simulation of some waiting lines where closed-form queueing models
are available.
Areas of Application (1)

WSC(Winter Simulation Conference) : http://www.wintersim.org

 Manufacturing Applications
 Analysis of electronics assembly operations
 Design and evaluation of a selective assembly station for high-precision scroll
compressor shells
 Comparison of dispatching rules for semiconductor manufacturing using
large-facility models
 Evaluation of cluster tool throughput for thin-film head production
 Determining optimal lot size for a semiconductor back-end factory
 Optimization of cycle time and utilization in semiconductor test manufacturing
 Analysis of storage and retrieval strategies in a warehouse
 Investigation of dynamics in a service-oriented supply chain
 Model for an Army chemical munitions disposal facility
 Semiconductor Manufacturing
 Comparison of dispatching rules using large-facility models
 The corrupting influence of variability
 A new lot-release rule for wafer fabs
Areas of Application (2)

 Assessment of potential gains in productivity due to proactive reticle

management
 Comparison of a 200-mm and 300-mm X-ray lithography cell
 Capacity planning with time constraints between operations
 300-mm logistic system risk reduction
 Construction Engineering
 Construction of a dam embankment
 Trenchless renewal of underground urban infrastructures
 Activity scheduling in a dynamic, multiproject setting
 Investigation of the structural steel erection process
 Special-purpose template for utility tunnel construction
 Military Application
 Modeling leadership effects and recruit type in an Army recruiting station
 Design and test of an intelligent controller for autonomous underwater
vehicles
 Modeling military requirements for nonwarfighting operations
 Multitrajectory performance for varying scenario sizes
 Using adaptive agent in U.S Air Force pilot retention
Areas of Application (3)

 Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution Applications

 Evaluating the potential benefits of a rail-traffic planning algorithm
 Evaluating strategies to improve railroad performance
 Parametric modeling in rail-capacity planning
 Analysis of passenger flows in an airport terminal
 Proactive flight-schedule evaluation
 Logistics issues in autonomous food production systems for extended-
duration space exploration
 Sizing industrial rail-car fleets
 Product distribution in the newspaper industry
 Design of a toll plaza
 Choosing between rental-car locations
 Quick-response replenishment
Areas of Application (4)

 Business Process Simulation

 Impact of connection bank redesign on airport gate assignment
 Product development program planning
 Reconciliation of business and systems modeling
 Personnel forecasting and strategic workforce planning
 Human Systems
 Modeling human performance in complex systems
 Studying the human element in air traffic control