Welcome to TranSystems | Automation Associates, Inc.'s monthly Innovations, where we share best practices in simulation engineering through case studies and industry experience. In this month's issue, we focus on how using the correct simulation technology can provide many answers to a range of challenges and concerns across a wide range of industries.

Square Inches, Square Feet, Square Miles:
Dimensions of Simulation

2006 was an exciting year for TranSystems’ teams both in the Nashville and San Diego offices, with a remarkably diverse set of projects. One particularly interesting aspect was the range of the dimensions of the systems modeled, from a few hundred square inches to thousands of square miles.

Some of our projects included:

• Simulation models of machines that automated handling of semiconductors. These machines are roughly the size of a kitchen table.
  
• The RMS (Restaurant Modeling Studio) product, that helped several quick-service restaurant operators improve the operations of their retail facilities (typically 1,000 – 2,000 square feet).
  
• The modeling of a number of large distribution centers for clients in retail and wholesale sectors (approximately 100,000 to 200,000 square feet).
  
• A detailed model of the operations of a 100-acre classification yard for a Class 1 railroad.
  
• A model of potential ship traffic arriving and departing at a port through a newly dredged channel.
• Strategic re-design of an entire supply chain for a national grocery store franchise.
  
• We also continued modeling the rail network for the entire northwest portion of the country for the Port of Tacoma.
  

One feature that all of these systems had in common is that they can be described by using a flow chart. In general, if a system can be flow-charted, it can be modeled. However, one of the most important tasks in designing an effective model is choosing just how far to take the “level of detail”.

Discrete-event simulation is different from other methods of analysis because it accounts for the element of time and the effects of variability (“level of detail”). If a system has no variability, then you would look for easier and faster ways of analyzing the system. The reality is that most systems have a lot of variability.

Therefore, in order for a modeling project to be a success, the
objective(s) of the project must be well defined. You will need to keep in mind the following criteria in determining exactly what questions to ask.

Find out what questions to ask and view sample flow charts (PDF).

Did you miss last month's edition of AAI's Innovations, that discussed how TranSystems helped Royal Caribbean Cruises?