Www.simio.com| Copyright 2010 Simio LLC | All rights reserved. 1 Simio Overview of Simio vs. Arena...

www.simio.com| Copyright 2010 Simio LLC | All rights reserved.

1Simio

Overview of Simio vs. Arena

The intent of this section is to:Identify what you know that you

can still use.Identify opportunities to fully

exploit new capabilities in Simio.


2Simio

Simio Similarities - General

Simulation principlesModel-building techniquesStatistics and AnalysisValidation and VerificationProject management


3Simio

Simio Similarities - Concepts

Entities represent items that flowResources represent constraintsTransporters & Conveyors for

movementObjects are superficially similar to

ModulesSteps are superficially similar to

Blocks Create, Seize, Delay, Release, Tally


4Simio

Simio Differences – User Interface

Latest Microsoft-style ribbon interface for an improved user experience

Separates physical model/animation (Facility View) from the definition of detailed logic (Process View)

Self-contained objects are more intuitive

Easy change between different graphic views

Flow logic (e.g. ‘blocks’) diagrams are automatically formatted.


5Simio

Simio Differences - Objects

Objects vs. Modules Can be intelligent Easy to create (every Model is an Object) You can see how objects are created Greater flexibility True Objects

• Abstraction - The ability for a program to ignore some aspects of the information that it is manipulating, i.e. the ability to focus on the essential.

• Encapsulation - Ensures that users of an object cannot change the internal state of the object; only the object's own internal methods are allowed to access its state.

• Polymorphism – Objects respond to messages; the specific method which responds to a message send depends on what specific object the message is sent to it.

• Inheritance (is a) - Permits objects to be defined and created that are specialized types of already-existing objects.

• Composition (has-a) - new objects built by combining existing objects.

Objects can be extended / added


6Simio

Simio Differences* - Objects Objects can be customized without

changing them by using add-on processes Objects can be written or modified using

process flow charts without coding Three level hierarchy (Definition –

Instance – Realization) makes objects smaller and lets them execute faster

This in turn overcomes scalability problems often encountered in other packages

* Compared to most other OO Simulation Packages


7Simio

Simio Differences - Library

Standard Library vs. Templates Dramatically more capability The 14 objects in the Standard Library

implement much of the functionality of the entire set of 60 modules in Arena’s main templates and much more!

Easy to build – a Project is a Library Behavior of library objects can be

customized Objects don’t need to “know” about

each other to work together.


8Simio

Simio Differences - Entities Different Classes of entities Each entity has own States (aka.

Attributes) An entity may have 1 or more Tokens

Token: a lightweight entity delegate for executing processes. Allows an entity to “be” in multiple places or do multiple things at once.

Derived from Agents which allow a different form of lightweight Entities

Entities can be “smart” Intelligently react to environment


9Simio

Simio Differences - Resources

Every object has resource capabilities Can be seized Can follow a schedule Can collect statistics

Resource behavior is coded in objects, not in engine

Resources can be “smart” Resources can reject a Seize Resources can select their activity

• Go on break, Wait for a higher priority activity


10Simio

Simio Differences - Transporters

They derive from Entity and can do everything an entity can do and more.

They are resources with all that implies Transporter behavior is coded in object,

not in engine Transporters can be “smart”

Transporters can reject a request for pickup Transporters can select their activity

• Go on break, Wait for a higher priority activity


11Simio

Simio Differences - Conveyors Conveyors can do everything a link can

do and more (e.g. Networks, Failures, …) Automatically and accurately support

flow between merging and diverging conveyors including dissimilar conveyors Differing speeds, types, and logic.

Transporters can be “smart” The logic for conveyors is done

completely in process logic and can be viewed and customized/enhanced by users.


12Simio

Simio Differences – Facility View

Define a model’s logic and behavior using objects from a library.

Each object represents a physical object

Logic and animationRun-time editing of model (no

recompile)Even Links and Nodes can be

“smart”


13Simio

Simio Differences – Process View

A Process is: A sequence of logical steps that can be

triggered by an event Executed by tokens. Created graphically Able to span time

• Delay, Seize, Wait for an event, …

Processes can define the logic: For an entire “process” model For an entire object To customize an object with add-on

processes


14Simio

Simio Differences - Primitives

Steps & Elements Used via flow charts rather than code Expose engine primitives

• Assign, Delay do the obvious behavior• Create just creates on demand (no timing)• Timer initiates events• Transfer for object interaction

Organized in processes Advanced users can create their own

primitives in any .NET language User-defined Steps can span time


15Simio

Simio Differences - Analysis

Experiments Tightly integrated Uses all available processors Available options are easily defined in model Multiple replications and multiple scenarios Supports user-written add-ons to incorporate

sophisticated analysis. Supports Controls, Responses and Constraints Can be integrated with OptQuest (optional)


16Simio

Simio Differences - Analysis

Results Pivot table permits easy analysis and

“data mining”Charts

Innovative “SMORE” plots extend Nelson’s latest techniques to better explore the variability and risk associated with each response.


17Simio

Simio Differences - Animation Top-down 2D view for easy model building Concurrent 3D is included in base package Instantly switch between views 3D is intuitive and easy to build and run Integrated access to hundreds of

thousands of 3D symbols in Google 3D Warehouse

Directly or indirectly imports most common 2D and 3D image files


18Simio

Simio Differences - Architecture

Based on managed code in .NET No 30 year old Fortran architecture

• No fixed array sizes (RSET)

Designed for today and the futurePreference for using proven external

packages Minimize custom purpose-built code

Code size is about 70% smaller Less to maintain


19Simio

Simio Differences - Agility

Developed using an agile process Major releases about every 8 months Software updates on 3 week cycle New features produced quickly High customer responsiveness and fast

response to opportunitiesExtensive automated testing

Several thousand automated tests More confidence in quality


20Simio

Simio Differences - Runtime

Models created in Team Edition can be run by anyone without license, activation, or payment of any fees.

The model builder may limit what can be changed.

Model builder may protect intellectual property using included features.


21Simio

Simio Differences – Cost of Use

Software Cost Simio is roughly half of the cost of

equivalent Arena productsEasier to learn

Lower training costs Lower time/cost to full productivity

More flexible Better answers More solutions from single tool


22Simio

Simio Differences – Productivity Easier to learn

Instantly build basic models Quickly advance to moderate/advanced levels

Define and Use Objects Custom objects are dramatically easier to build Reusing validated objects will speed projects

Comprehensive Single Tool Use Multi-domain, including agent-based modeling Will soon include scheduling and real-time

emulation extensions based on same engine


23Simio

Simio Differences – Academic

University License No startup cost, No maintenance/renewal

cost Unlimited model size and full features Limited to non-commercial applications

Student license (in addition to free eval version)

Free on university computers Nominal fee for personal “take home” copy Unlimited model size and full features Limited to non-commercial applications

Www.simio.com| Copyright 2010 Simio LLC | All rights reserved. 1 Simio Overview of Simio vs. Arena...

Documents

Transcript of Www.simio.com| Copyright 2010 Simio LLC | All rights reserved. 1 Simio Overview of Simio vs. Arena...