Your Simulation Questions Answered

Nov 22, 2013Mike AllenBloganylogic, arena, automod, demo3d, enterprise dynamics, experior, extendsim, flexsim, methodology, outsourcing, plant simulation, promodel, simio, simul8, simulation, slx, validation, verification, visual components, witness

So, you’re thinking of using simulation within your organization. Is simulation worthwhile? What are the pros & cons? Should you recruit an in-house team or outsource? What skills should your team possess? Which software should you purchase? How should you conduct simulation studies? Are there any other gotchas?

Good questions, all. In this article, I’ll attempt to cover each as briefly as possible. If you would like more detailed explanations on any point, feel free to call me on +1 (313) 451-4001 and I’ll do my best to assist.

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Simulation Quality Control

Mar 10, 2013Mike Allen2 CommentsBlogautomation, conceptual model, methodology, modeling, specification, unit testing, validation, verification

How do you know if the results of a simulation analysis are accurate and reliable?

This is an important and fundamental question. If a simulation produces invalid results, yet the client accepts and acts upon them, then they’re heading into a world of pain. Just as bad is the situation in which the results are valid, but are distrusted by the client and so are disregarded. In both cases, the outcomes can be catastrophic.…

A Checkbox Simulation Horror Story

Feb 15, 2013Mike AllenBlogassumptions, checkbox, post-mortem, simulation, specification, validation, verification

A checkbox simulation is a simulation study that is done purely to comply with a company policy that new facility designs must be simulated—but typically without any criteria specifying the quality of that simulation. What follows is a fictitious story—yet one that’s all-to-common in my experience—about the limitations of such simulation studies, and the accompanying race-to-the-bottom by consulting firms competing to perform them. I’m glad to point out that Hindsight is not one of them……

Your Simulation Questions Answered

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Simulation Quality Control

A Checkbox Simulation Horror Story

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