Simulation

Principles
SIMULACIÓN DE PROCESOS DISCRETOS
M.C. VICTOR ALEJANDRO HUERTA TORRUCO
“Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or
system over time. Simulation involves the generation of an artificial history
of the system and the observation of that artificial history to draw inferences
concerning the operating characteristics of the real system that is
represented.” Banks 2002
“Simulation is a problem solving methodology for the solution of many
real-world problems. Simulation is used to describe and analyze the
behavior of a system, ask what-if questions about the real system, and aid in
the design of real systems. Both existing and conceptual systems can be
modeled with simulation” Nelson 2010
1. System. very broad term used to describe a set of related components
that together work toward some purpose.
2. Model. Representation of an actual or conceptual system. The model
should be complex enough to answer the questions raised, but not too
complex
2.1 Physical models, such as a model of a car or airplane, can
provide both a sense of reality as well as interaction with the
physical environment, as in wind-tunnel testing.
2.2 Mathematical models.
2.3 Continuous models. The state variables change in a
continuous way, and not abruptly from one state to another
(infinite number of states).
2.4 Discrete models. The state variables change only at a
countable number of points in time. These points in time are the
ones at which the event occurs/change in state.
2.5 Deterministic models. Is one whose behavior is entire
predictable. The system is perfectly understood, then it is possible
to predict precisely what will happen.
2.6 Stochastic model. Is one whose behavior cannot be entirely
predicted. randomness is introduced to represent the variation
found in most systems. For example, the results of activities
involving people (time to complete a task, quality level) always
vary, external inputs (customers, materials) vary, and exceptions
(failures) occur.
2.7 Dynamic model. Is used to express the behavior of the system
over time.
2.8 Static model. Represents a system at a fixed point in time.
Model types
3 Discrete event simulation. The models in this kind of
simulation represent a system’s inputs and outputs explicitly
including a detailed representation of the internal processes. The
state of the variables changes when a discrete event occurs. The
goal is to represent the components of a system and their
interactions to such an extent that the objectives of the study are
met.

1. STOCHASTIC
2. DYNAMIC
3. DISCRETE EVENT
3.1 System State Variables. Collection of all information needed
to define what is happening within a system to a sufficient level at
a given point in time. The determination of a system state
variables is a function of the purposes of the study, so what may
be the system state variables in one case may not be the same in
another case.
• Flow time
• Utilization
• Throughput
• Value added time
• Wait time
• WIP
• Tackt Time
3.2 Entitie. Represents an object that requires explicit definition.
An entity can be dynamic in that it “moves” through the system,
or it can be static in that it serves other entities. Examples?

3.3 Attribute. Attributes are entity characteristics that are unique

to each entity such as size, quantity, type, or weight. These
attributes are assigned to each entity when they enter the system
and are carried by the entity throughout the system. Attributes can
be called for in the processing logic to differentiate one entity
from another and route each type of entity to different locations.
3.4 Resource. Resources provide support to entities throughout
the system. Resources can be used to process entities at a location
or move entities through the system. System elements such as
material handling devices, operators, or vehicles are modeled as
resources. Inadequate resources limit the rate at which processing
can take place.

3.5 List Processing. Entities are managed by allocating them to

resources that provide service; by attaching them to event notices,
thereby suspending their activity into the future; or by placing
them into an ordered list. List are use to represent queues.
 • FIFO
• LIFO
• According to the value of an attribute (Ex. Shortest Process
Time SPT)
• Randomly

3.6 Activities. An activity is a period of time whose duration

is know prior to commencement of the activity. Thus, when
the duration begins, its end can be scheduled. The duration
can be a constant, a random value from a statistical
distribution, the result of an equation, input from a file, or
computed base on the event state.
3.7 Delays.Is a definite duration that is caused by some
combination of system conditions.

• When an entitie joins a queue for a resource.

• The arrival of a rush order.
• A failure needing repair of the source.
3.8 Event. Is a change in the actual system state.

• Entry or departure of an entity.

• End of a process in any equipment.
• Stopage and reactivation of any given operation.
• Machine´s failure.
3.9 Simulation clock.The simulation must keep track of the
current simulation time, in whatever measurement units are
suitable for the system being modeled (seconds, minutes,
hours, weeks, etc.) The clock´s fuction is to answer questions
such as:
• How much time the model has been used?
• What is the total amount of time that the simulation need
to last?
4.1 When simulation is the appropriate Tool ?

Simulation can be used for the following purposes:

• Simulation enables the study of, and experimentation with,

the internal interactions of a complex system.
• Informational, organizational and environmental changes
can be simulated, and the effect of these alterations on the
model´s behavior can be observed.
• The knowledge gained during the designing of a
simulation model could be of great value toward
suggesting improvement in the system under investigation.
• Validating important input parameters with changing
simulation inputs.
• Simulation can be used with new design and policies before
implementation.
• Simulating different capabilities for a machine can help
determine the requirement.
• Plan can be visualized with animated simulation. (VR)
• The modern system (factory, wafer fabrication plant, service
organization) is too complex that its internal interaction can be
treated only by simulation.
4.1 When simulation is not the appropriate Tool ?

• Simulation should not be used when the problema can be

solved by common sense.
• Simulation should not be used if the problem can be
solved analytically.
• Simulation should not be used if it less expensive to
perform direct experiments.
• Not use simulation if the costs exceed the saving.
• Simulation should not be performed if the resources or
time are not available.
• If there is no data available, not even estimates, simulation
is not advised.
5.1 Advantages of DES Simulation

• New policies, operating procedures, information flows and

so on can be explored without disrupting ongoing
operation of the real system.
• New hardware designs, physical layouts, transportation
systems, etc., can be tested without committing resources
for their acquisition.
• Time can be compressed or expanded to allow for a speed-
up or slow-down of the phenomenon (clock is self-
control).
• Bottleneck analysis can be performed to discover where work in the
system is delayed.
• “What if” questions can be answered.
5.2 Disadvantages of DES Simulation

• Model building requires special training.

• Simulation results can be difficult to interpret.
• Simulation modeling and analysis can be time consuming
and expensive.
6.0 Areas of Application

• Manufacturing

• Transportation

• Military
• Maritime/Ports

• Supply Chain

• Health Care
• Mining

• Construction Engineering

• Traffic Operations

• Call Centers

• Telecomunications
Simulation Project common
questions
• When will you get it done (is yesterday too soon)?
• How much will it cost (or how many resources will it require)?
• How comprehensive will the model be (or what specific system
aspects will be included)?
Is a document describing exactly what will be delivered,
when, how, and by whom. While the details required in a
functional specification vary by application and project size,
typical components may include:

1. Introduction
a) Simulation objectives: Discussion of high-level objectives.
What's the desired outcome of this project?

b) Identification of stakeholders: Who are the primary people

concerned with the results from this model? Which other
people are also concerned? How will the model be used and
by whom? How will they learn it?
2. System description and modeling approach: Overview of
system components and approaches for modeling them.
Including, but not limited to, the following components:

a) Equipment: Each piece of equipment should be described in

detail, including its behavior, setups, schedules, reliability, and
other aspects that might affect the model. Include data tables
and diagrams as needed.

b) Product types: What products are involved? How do they

differ? How do they relate to each other? What level of detail
is required for each product or product group?
c) Operations: Each operation should be described in detail
including its behavior, setups, schedules, reliability, and other
aspects that might affect the model. Include data tables and
diagrams as needed.

d) Transportation: Internal and external transportation should be

described in adequate detail.

3. Input data:

• What data should be considered for model input?

• Who will provide this information?
• When? In what format?
4. Output data:

What data should be produced by the model? In this section, a mock-

up of the final report will help clarify expectations for all parties.

5. Project deliverables:

Discuss all agreed-upon project deliverables. When this list is fulfilled,

the project is deemed complete.

a) Documentation: What model documentation, instructions, or user

manual will be provided? At what level of detail?
b) Software and training: If it's intended that the user will interact
directly with the model, discuss the software that's required, what
software, if any, will be included in the project price quote, and what,
if any, custom interface will be provided. Also discuss what project
or product training is recommended or will be supplied.

c) Animation: What are the animation deliverables and for what pur-
poses will the animations be used (model validation, stakeholder
buy-in, marketing)? 2D or 3D? Are existing layouts and symbols
available, and in what form? What will be provided, by whom, and
when?
6. Project phases: Describe each project phase (if more than one) and
the estimated effort, delivery date, and charge for each phase.

7. Signoffs: Signature section for primary stakeholders.

1. Select a simple manufacturing system in the real life, one you have
access to real data.
2. Perform the first 2 steps of the DES Methodology with the system
you have selected.