System Simulation
Modeling and Analysis
Jurusan Manajemen Logistik – STIMLOG
BANDUNG – 2018
References
1. Banks, J., J.S. Carson II, B.L. Nelson, & D.M. Nicol:
Discrete-Event System Simulation, 4th ed., Prentice-
Hall (2005).
2. Law, A.M., & W.D. Kelton: Simulation Modeling and
Analysis, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill (2000).
3. Kelton, W.D., R.P. Sadowski, & D.T. Sturrock:
Simulation with Arena, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill (2004).
System and model
MODEL
SYSTEM
Model types
Based on the purpose of the model:
– Descriptive model
– Predictive model
– Prescriptive (normative) model
Based on the representation method:
– Iconic model
– Analog model
– Symbolic model
What is simulation?
•the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or
system over time. [Ref.1]
•a computer model to evaluate a model numerically,
and data are gathered in order to estimate the desired
true characteristics of the model. [Ref.2]
•a broad collection of methods and applications to mimic
the behavior of real systems, usually on a computer with
appropriate software. [Ref.3]
Simulation model
Simulation model is a descriptive/predictive model.
If simulation model is integrated with “best” solution
searching procedure, then it will become normative
model.
Alternatives for “best” solution searching procedure:
– Trial and error with intuition
– Design of experiment
– Metaheuristic optimal searching procedure
Ways to study system
Reason to use simulation model
It’s way too costly to experiment with the real
system.
The real system itself doesn’t exist.
System complexity that cannot be solved by
analytical model.
Reason to use simulation model
(Example): Queuing System
Simple queuing system, e.g.
- Single queuing line (even with
multiple servers)
- No jockeying
- No balking, no reneging
- Queuing network without complex
feedback Use Queuing
- Poisson process arrival and Theory!!
service
(No need to use
simulation)
Reason to use simulation model
(Example): Queuing System
Complex queuing system, e.g.
- Multiple servers with multiple
queuing lines
- Jockeying phenomena
- Customers balking and/or reneging
- Queuing network with complex
rules and feedback
- Complex servers schedule and
downtimes Use Simulation!!
Simulation as an industrial engineering tool
Simulation has become the most widely
used tool among industrial and systems
engineers. [Turner, et al: Introduction to
Industrial and Systems Engineering, 1993]
Simulation is one of the most widely used
operations-research and management-
science techniques, if not the most widely
used. [Ref.2]
Areas of application
Designing and analyzing manufacturing systems
Evaluating military weapons systems or their logistics
requirements
Determining hardware requirements or protocols for
communications networks
Determining hardware and software requirements for a
computer system
Designing and operating transportation systems such as
airports, freeways, ports, and subways
Evaluating designs for service organizations such as call
centers, fast-food restaurants, hospitals, and post offices
Reengineering of business processes
Determining ordering policies for an inventory system
Analyzing financial or economic systems
Tools for simulation modeling
Manual (simulation by-hand)
Spreadsheet (e.g.: Excel)
General-purpose programming language: (e.g.:
Visual Basic, C/C++, Java, C#)
Simulation software:
– Simulation language (e.g.: SIMAN, GPSS,
SLAM)
– Simulation package (e.g.: Arena, AweSim/Visual
SLAM, ProModel, Powersim)
Simulation tools for this course
Microsoft Excel with Visual Basic for
Application (VBA) macro
Rockwell Software’s Arena
Classification of Simulation
Based on time role in the model: Static vs.
Dynamic
Based on probabilistic (i.e., random)
contents: Deterministic vs. Stochastic
(Probabilistic)
Based on the state of the system: Discrete
vs. Continuous (see the following explanation of the
state of a system)
State of a System
State of a system: collection of variables necessary
to describe a system at a particular time, relative to
the objectives of a study.
E.g.: in a study of a bank, possible state variables:
– the number of busy tellers
– the number of customers in the bank
System category based on the system state:
– Discrete system vs. Continuous system
State of a System
Discrete-Event Simulation
This course will introduce the fundamental
concept of discrete-event simulation:
– Discrete system state
– Probabilistic elements
Discrete event simulation is frequently used
in the modeling, analysis, and design of
manufacturing systems and service systems.
Other popular simulation term
Monte Carlo simulation: a static simulation; utilizing
random-number to solve deterministic or probabilistic
system.
System dynamics simulation: a continuous
simulation model (all state variables are assumed or
modeled as continuous), most widely used to study
behavior of complex system where feedbacks occur
among the components.
Agent-based modeling and simulation: a relatively
new approach in simulation modeling, where the
system comprises many interacting entities by some
complex rules of interaction
Organization for Simulation Expertise
and Practicioners
Society on Modeling and Simulation
International (SCS, formerly Society for
Computer Simulation)
Association for Computing
Machinery/Special Interest Group on
Simulation (ACM/SIGSIM)
