What is the real system we’re modeling?
Most simulation failures don’t come from bad logic — they come from modeling the wrong system.
Operations Systems vs. Technical Systems: Why the Difference Matters in Simulation
An operations system is not the same thing as a technical system. While technical systems focus on machines, software, and reliability, operations systems define how value is actually delivered through people, processes, and flows.
AEDT 4a Released
AEDT 4a released. This Simlog examines the practical implications of the release, with a focus on modeling-relevant changes, including platform upgrades, enhancements to helicopter operations, emissions updates, and modifications to climb performance assumptions, and compliance workflows
Where should you allocate resources?
Simulation Modeling and Analysis 1. Scenario Testing * Create multiple scenarios in the simulation model. For instance, add or remove a machine or operator at different stations and observe the outcomes. 2. Key Metrics * Track lead time, throughput, and resource utilization for each scenario. * Compare scenarios to see which resource allocation
Building a Process Flow in FlexSim
Creating a clear, structured process flow is the foundation of any effective simulation model. Whether you’re analyzing a manufacturing line, an airport operation, or a service workflow, the goal is the same: define the activities, connect them logically, allocate the right resources, and control the flow of events. This
Which job should you schedule first? In what sequence?
Simulation Modeling and Analysis 1. Dispatching Rules * Program or set different scheduling heuristics (e.g., First-In-First-Out (FIFO), Earliest Due Date (EDD), Shortest Processing Time (SPT), etc.) in your FlexSim model. 2. Batch or Sequence Comparison * Experiment with various sequences in simulation (e.g., schedule high-priority orders first vs. regular jobs
Given the failure of a resource, how does this this affect your delivery time?
Simulation Modeling and Analysis 1. Downtime Modeling * Build probability distributions or schedules for resource downtime in your FlexSim model (e.g., Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)). 2. Scenario Analysis * Run scenarios where a critical machine fails for a certain duration. Observe queue build-up, lead
Where Is the Bottleneck? A Practical Guide to Simulation Modeling and Analysis
Operational problems rarely announce themselves. Instead, queues silently expand, delays accumulate, and throughput declines mysteriously.
Operations vs. Technical Systems—And How FlexSim’s Manufacturing & Factory Apps Serve Each
Understand the difference between operations and technical systems, and when to use FlexSim Manufacturing vs. Factory. Includes a comparison table, case study, and downloadable diagram.
Simulation and Industry 4.0
Simulation empowers Industry 4.0 by enabling virtual testing, optimization, and innovation—bridging the gap between digital design and real-world production.
What Is Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)?
Agent-Based Modeling simulates how individual agents interact to reveal complex system behaviors, helping researchers test, predict, and understand change.
What Is System Dynamics?
System dynamics helps analyze and improve complex systems by modeling feedback, behavior, and change—turning complexity into actionable insight.