Simulation

using
PROMODEL
What is Simulation ?

“Simulation is the imitation of a

dynamic system using a computer
model in order to evaluate and
improve system performance”
Simulation
• Why Simulate ?
• Doing Simulation !
 Start

Formulate Hypothesis

Develop Simulation model

Run Simulation experiment

Hypothesis NO
Correct ?

YES

End
Simulation
• Use of Simulation
• When is Simulation appropriate ?
– Process is well defined and repetitve
– System has interdependencies & variabilty

Also causes CONFUSION !

Simulation
• Qualifications for doing Simulation ?
• Economic justification ?
Promodel
What is PROMODEL?
• Simulation Software
• Used for Modeling various Manufacturing &
Service systems
• Also Discrete Event Simulator to model discrete
systems
• Powerful tool to test alternative designs, ideas
and Maps before actual implementation.
Pro Model system
• Entities
• Activities
• Resources
• Controls
Promodel

Incoming Outgoing
Entities Activities Entities

Resources Controls

System
Entities
• Items processed through a system
• Examples
1. Human/animate (customers, patients..)
2. Inanimate (parts, documents..)
3. Intangible (calls, mail,..)
Locations
• Fixed places in the system where entities are
routed for processing,delay,decision making or
some other activity.
• 2 Types of Locations
a) Receiving Locations (pallets, conveyors)
b) Processing Locations (machine,
work stations)
Activities
• Activities are tasks performed in the system
that are either directly or indirectly in the
processing of entities
• Examples
– Machining
– Inspection
– Repairs
– Forklift travel
Process
• Describes operations that take place at a
location.
• Examples
• Amount of time an entity spends there
• Resources needed to complete processing
Arrivals
• Defines where Entities enter the system.
• Important Terms
Batch Size : No: of entities arriving at a time.
Interarrival Time : Time between arrival of
successive
entities.
Frequencies : First time arrival pattern begins.
Controls
• Controls ‘control’ the system
• Provide order and structure to the activities
• Examples
– Instruction sheets
– Routing sequences
– Production plans
– Software controls
– Work schedules
An example
Consider Woodmans. Customers visit for a groceries. The
customers shop and finally wait in queue at counter. The clerk
takes around 5 minutes for each customer.
a) Entities = ??
b) Locations = ??
c) Processing = ??
d) Activities = ??
e) Resources = ??
f) Controls = ??
Specifying Locations
- Details to be provided
1. Location Name
2. Capacity
3. Units
4. Rules
Defining Arrivals
- Details to be specified
1. Entity
2. Location
3. Arrival Quantity
4. First time
5. Occurrences
6. Frequency
7. Logic
Defining Processing
Details to be specified
1. Entity
2. Location
3. Operation
4. Output
5. Destination
6. Rule
7. Move Logic
Other features of Promodel
• Stat::Fit
– Fits probability distributions to empirical data

• Help menu
– Extensive help available
Make use of it !!!