Simulation

Systems Navigator is a specialist in the application of discrete event simulation technology within a variety of industries. We have been using the Arena simulation environment since 1995, building models for manufacturing; supply chain; business process; maritime and logistical processes. Our specialism lies in the operational use of these models by our customers, who are able to support their business decisions by defining, running and analyzing scenarios themselves. We build customized user interfaces that enable scenario, input and output management in an intuitive user environment. This allows the end-user to concentrate on creating scenarios, comparing them, and making decisions based on facts and figures. These decisions can be strategic, tactical and operational by nature. Keyword of simulation to us is "managing change"; change in products, productmix, customer demand, equipment, resources, customer requirements, production management, leadtimes, supplier contracts etc. If managing your company is dictated by the "yoke of change", we might be able to come to your aid and help you "Choose the Right Direction"!

Prof. Claude Dennis Pegden - creator of Arena®

What is simulation?

• Modeling a system in terms of its process flow, resource capacity and constraints;
• Simulation shows the impact of events randomly occuring over time;
• Simulation replicates system variability over time - which is often the most critical factor of system performance;
• Simulation is used by IE's & OR's to design and analyze complex processes;
• Simulation predicts future system performance & determines how much resource capacity is needed;
• Output data from a simulation model include:
  costs, throughput, queue length, time in system, utilization, cycle time, work in progress, breakdowns, failures, service level, etc.

When to use simulation?

• Test major changes to the current system;
• Resolve bottlenecks;
• Compare alternative system designs;
• Answer these and other "What if...?" questions before investing capital and without disrupting current operations.

Why simulate a process?

• Get it right the first time when changing or designing a complex process!;
• Lean and Six Sigma initiatives:
  • Value Stream Mapping
    • Identify & Eliminate NVA activities
  • Analyze the impact of variability
    • DMAIC, DFSS, DMADV
• Improve efficiency & lower costs;
• Avoid wasteful spending;
• Visualize problems and solutions;
• Communicate ideas.

Advantages of simulation

• Understand how various system components interact with each other and how they affect overall system performance;
• Allows real-world variability to be included in the system analysis;
• Represents complex real-world behavior that cannot be captured analytically;
• Captures logic and policies that do not exist or cannot be tested.