CreateASoft, Inc. Article - An analysis of simulation software Static Simulation Tools vs.

Dynamic Simulation Tools

CreateASoft, Inc. Naperville, Illinois Wednesday December 26, 2012 Simulation software techniques have been successfully used by supply chain, logistics and manufacturing for many years to increase efficiency with low risk. These same methods are being adapted for use in other industries such as document flow and healthcare. The need for more efficient operations, producing more with less and constantly increasing and refining quality has been the driving force in adopting simulation software. Moreover, the heavy shift toward lean thinking and six sigma methods coupled with increasing operational variability have forced many companies to introduce dynamic predictive technologies to be an integral part of their daily operational procedures. The healthcare industry, from hospitals and clinics to labs and blood centers, can also benefit from the dynamic predictive technology. The type of technology and its scalability play a major role in the implementation success and level of return on investment achieved. Below explains and outlines the features of dynamic simulation tools and how they compare to static simulation tools. SIMULATION SOFTWARE In general, simulation software required for process analytics are discrete event simulators that allow the user to create virtual process replications of current operations. These replicas can be grouped into two main categories: static and dynamic tools. The main differences between the tools are in model building, simulation interaction, analysis, and connectivity. MODEL BUILDING Static simulation tools are generally code heavy, meaning a computer program needs to be written in proprietary languages such as C++, C# or VB, then complied in order to generate the model. Some static tools have developed basic virtual code generation environments to start the model, however expanding and customizing the model requires modifying the code in addition to adding more control logic. Alternatively, dynamic simulation software has no reliance on code - model building is done graphically allowing for a nocode environment. The main advantage is that users do not have to be programmers; their knowledge of the operation is all that is needed to create the model. Simulation is no longer controlled by a select few, but by every enabler in the organization. SIMULATION INTERACTION Static tools offer no interaction with the simulator meaning the simulation runs on the engine and results are provided after a completed run along with the animation. Some static tools have provided animation during the model run, yet have no ability to physically interact with the model. This is an inherent design issue with static tools due to their reliance on complied code before the model is run on the simulation engine. Dynamic simulation tools provide a game like interaction with the simulated environment. As the simulation is running, the user has the ability to modify constraints on the fly and immediately visualize the effect of the change. Adding stations, modifying staff, changing buffers and other constraint modifications can be quickly visualized and analyzed.

ANALYSIS Static simulation tools provide analysis and reporting after the simulation run, however data feedback during the simulation is not possible. In addition, special care must be taken in order to identify the metrics required from the simulation run, if a metric was not collected and coded in, the user must rerun the simulation. Dynamic tools provide the analysis on the fl as the simulation is progressing, allowing the user to quickly identify problems, bottlenecks, and other constraint limitations as the simulation develops. Users can also add metric tracking at any time during the simulation run. Introducing and analyzing variability into the model is fast and effective, saving valuable time in achieving the optimum solution. CONNECTIVITY Static simulation tools, in general, connect to external data sources before the simulation starts, analysis is then performed on the loaded data only. This specific scenario introduces limitations to the amount of data that can be imported into the model. Dynamic simulation tools interact with external systems as the simulation develops. EMR connectivity and access to large data sets to study the effect of change over a year for example is not anymore limited to the user workstation. The simulation model can read and write data to external data sources using a tightly integrated environment. OTHER FACTORS The crucial difference between the two environments is that static simulation tools require programmers or highly trained individuals to build and analyze the model, in addition to requiring an extended amount of time to build and validate the model. In contrast, dynamic simulation tools can be used by any user with working knowledge of the process and a creative mind for change. Validating, analyzing, and presenting the model is performed with minimal effort leaving the user with more time to generate a new optimum solution. With the simulation environment becoming an integral part of the process improvement and lean initiative of the organization, empowering the people to perform the simulation analysis is more beneficial than involving individuals with limited knowledge of the operation to code the simulation model. Moreover, additional time spent on coding and validating the model is lost revenue that remains uncollected. Selecting the correct simulation tool goes beyond the initial purchase price. It is important, for the user, to investigate all aspects of the software including its dynamic capabilities, analysis and its connectivity to external data sources. Unfortunately, sales personal tend to promise too much during the initial meeting, it is highly recommended that the user requests that models be built live with minimum preparation and request analysis and connectivity to be demonstrated. Failure to do so will result in investing in the wrong tool that will not be used to its full potential benefits. CONCLUSION In conclusion, dynamic simulation tools provide a better modeling and analysis environment than static tools. External data connectivity and ease of model building are key issues in selecting and identifying the simulation tool to use. Regardless of simulation tool selection, a learning curve is required in order to take full advantage of all features within the simulation environment. It is critical to select a tool with the shortest learning curve that can effectively be utilized by the user.