Question

1. Explain the benefits of simulation and why you might choose to use simulation (what circumstances exist)?

Answer 1

The benefits are

1. Obtain a better understanding of the system by developing a mathematical model of a system of interest and observing the systems operation in detail over long periods of time.

2. Test hypothesis about the system for feasibility.

3. Compress time to observe certain phenomena over long periods or expand time to observe a complex phenomenon in detail

4. Experiment with new or unknown situations about which only weak information is available.

5. Identify the driving variables - ones that performance measures are most sensitive to and the inter- relationships among them.

6. Identify bottlenecks in the flow of entities i.e material , people etc or information.

7. Use multiple performance metrics for analyzing system configurations.

8. Employ a system approach to problem solving

9. Develop well designed and robust systems and reduce system develoment time.

Why simulation is used because

It allows to accurately reflect the randomness and interdependence present in reality with resources and other system elements. It deal with the accurate depiction of reality. Using simulation it is possible to include randomness through properly identified probability distributions taken directly from study data.

Simulation allows interdependence through arrival and service events and tracks them individually.

Simulation track events as they occur and gather all time related data for reporting purposes. The information available about system operations is more complete with simulation than any other techniques.

Static analysis allows to use average parameters so such limitations can mislead with estimates that suggest over or under capacity situation. Simulation do Insightful system evaluations.