Simulation is a method that includes logical and mathematical relationships in order to understand the structure and behavior of the real system, and provides the opportunity to experiment with computers or other tools outside the system.
Features of Simulation
- Observes and defines system behavior.
- Establishes theories and hypotheses that are valid for observed behaviors.
- Predicts system behavior.
- Provides the ability to control the system.
- Simulation is used in the design and analysis of complex systems
Simulation is used to achieve one or more of the following purposes.
- Evaluation: Showing how well the proposed system works according to the determined criteria.
- Comparison: Comparison of proposed system designs or policies
- Prediction: Estimating the performance of the system under recommended conditions
- Sensitivity Analysis: Determining which factors affect the performance of the System
- Optimization: Determining a combination of factor levels that give the best performance value
- Bottleneck Analysis: Simulation is used to identify bottlenecks in a system (Pedgen et all, 1995).
It may be necessary to use simulation to solve some problems. Simulation is useful in the following situations:
- The lack of an exact mathematical model of the problem.
- The mathematical model cannot be solved by analytical approach.
- Analytical solution is possible, but this solution is mathematically very complex.
- Analytical solution increases costs.
- The system is still in the design phase
- System behavior analysis