Service modelling as a basis for simulation

Process models are often created without regard to their possible later use in simulations. If a process model generated in this way is to be simulated, additional information must be gathered, the model adapted and transferred into an appropriate simulation environment. This process is complex, weakly structured and errorprone. Using practical example data from an outpatient clinic, this work introduces an approach for model transformation with which service process models can be transferred into a simulation environment in a structured way and supported by the system. The transformation concept focuses on process models generated without taking into consideration the requirements of future simulation. The concept prepares the process models for simulation and supports the transfer of the models into the appropriate simulation environment

A Generic Agent Organisation Framework For Autonomic Systems

Autonomic computing is being advocated as a tool for managing large, complex computing systems. Specifically, self-organisation provides a suitable approach for developing such autonomic systems by incorporating self-management and adaptation properties into large-scale distributed systems. To aid in this development, this paper details a generic problem-solving agent organisation framework that can act as a modelling and simulation platform for autonomic systems. Our framework describes a set of service-providing agents accomplishing tasks through social interactions in dynamically changing organisations. We particularly focus on the organisational structure as it can be used as the basis for the design, development and evaluation of generic algorithms for self-organisation and other approaches towards autonomic systems

The Internet of Simulation, a Specialisation of the Internet of Things with Simulation and Workflow as a Service (SIM/WFaaS)

Abstract: A trend seen in many industries is the increasing reliance on modelling and simulation to facilitate design, decision making and training. Previously, these models would operate in isolation but now there is a growing need to integrate and connect simulations together for co-simulation. In addition, the 21st century has seen the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) enabling the interconnectivity of smart devices across the Internet. In this paper we propose that an important, and often overlooked, domain of IoT is that of modelling and simulation. Expanding IoT to encompass interconnected simulations enables the potential for an Internet of Simulation whereby models and simulations are exposed to the wider internet and can be accessed on an "as-a-service" basis. The proposed IoS would need to manage simulation across heterogeneous infrastructures, temporal and causal aspects of simulations, as well as variations in data structures. Via the proposed Simulation as a Service (SIMaaS) and Workflow as a Service (WFaaS) constructs in IoS, highly complex simulation integration could be performed automatically, resulting in high fidelity system level simulations. Additionally, the potential for faster than real-time simulation afforded by IoS opens the possibility of connecting IoS to existing IoT infrastructure via a real-time bridge to facilitate decision making based on live data

Simulation and optimization of the cargo terminal in the Anylogic environment

The paper considers the formal theoretical bases of the analytical, simulation and optimization modelling of multi-channel queuing systems with waiting (with unlimited and limited queue). The research is based on the use as an analytical platform of the simulation environment AnyLogic, which allows to carry out simulation and optimization experiments, as well as perform parametric analysis of solutions and studies on sensitivity. Practical approbation of models is based on solving and researching a wide range of tasks on modelling queuing systems with expectation from different subject areas. The basis of the methodology used for modelling and optimization is the provision of using as an optimization criterion (objective function) the total reduced costs in both service channels and queue losses. The research is aimed at reviewing and analysing queuing systems with various event flows in the AnyLogic simulation environment

A cloud resource management model for the creation and orchestration of social communities

Managing resources, context and data in mobile clouds is a challenging task. Specific aspects of spontaneity, large interaction space and dynamic interaction share a metaphorical resemblance to chemistry, chemical reactions and solutions. In this paper, it is argued that by adopting a nature-inspired chemical computing model, a mobile cloud resource management model can be evolved to serve as the basis for novel service modelling and social computing in mobile clouds. To support the argument, a chemistry inspired computation model, Chemistry for Context Awareness (C2A), is extended with Higher Order Chemical Language (HOCL) and High Level Petri-net Graph (HLPNG) formalisms. A scenario and simulation-based evaluation of the proposed model, focusing on two applications dynamic service composition and social communities identification, is also presented in this paper. The formal encoding of C2A validates its assumptions, enabling formal execution and analysis of context-based interactions that are derived using C2A principles

Investigating the Use of RFID Technology in the Reverse Logistics of End-of-Service-Life Helicopters: A Hybrid Approach Based On Design for Six Sigma and Discrete-event Simulation

ABSTRACT Investigating the Use of RFID Technology in the Reverse Logistics of End-of-Service-Life Helicopters: A Hybrid Approach Based On Design for Six Sigma and Discrete-event Simulation James S. Corrigan Concordia University and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd embarked upon a study to investigate the potential for using RFID technology in the reverse logistics of aircraft components, specifically those of end-of-service-life commercial helicopters. This study necessitated the consideration of the way in which contemporary commercial aircraft components (specifically those of helicopters) are handled during the reverse logistics process and the consideration of the peculiarities of the value proposition of end-of-service-life commercial helicopters that differentiate them in certain key respects from their fixed-wing counterparts. The research presented in this thesis presents a proposed implementation framework for the use of RFID technology in the reverse logistics of end-of-service-life helicopters and provides a quantitative assessment (using discrete event simulation modelling) of the role which RFID technology can play in the ‘leaning out’ that reverse logistics process. The research uses a real-life case study of an actual helicopter commercial remanufacturing operation as a basis for the simulation modelling framework. The simulation modelling considers various, and increasingly complex, means of RFID implementation as part of a Return-On-Investment (ROI) analysis. One of the means of RFID implementation makes use of a novel RFID process for aircraft part identification which has been developed as part of this study: this innovative process makes use of a form of low-cost/low-weight RFID labels for identifying the component parts. This thesis also presents the results of the actual laboratory testing of these novel RFID labels which has been carried out as part of this study to assess the feasibility of implementing this innovative RFID process technology on helicopter structural components

A comparative analysis of business process modelling techniques

Business process modelling is an increasingly popular research area for both organisations and academia due to its usefulness in facilitating human understanding and communication. Several modelling techniques have been proposed and used to capture the characteristics of business processes. However, available techniques view business processes from different perspectives and have different features and capabilities. Furthermore, to date limited guidelines exist for selecting appropriate modelling techniques based on the characteristics of the problem and its requirements. This paper presents a comparative analysis of some popular business process modelling techniques. The comparative framework is based on five criteria: flexibility, ease of use, understandability, simulation support and scope. The study highlights some of the major paradigmatic differences between the techniques. The proposed framework can serve as the basis for evaluating further modelling techniques and generating selection procedures

The EnTrak system : supporting energy action planning via the Internet

Recent energy policy is designed to foster better energy efficiency and assist with the deployment of clean energy systems, especially those derived from renewable energy sources. To attain the envisaged targets will require action at all levels and effective collaboration between disparate groups (e.g. policy makers, developers, local authorities, energy managers, building designers, consumers etc) impacting on energy and environment. To support such actions and collaborations, an Internet-enabled energy information system called 'EnTrak' was developed. The aim was to provide decision-makers with information on energy demands, supplies and impacts by sector, time, fuel type and so on, in support of energy action plan formulation and enactment. This paper describes the system structure and capabilities of the EnTrak system

Pattern-based software architecture for service-oriented software systems

Service-oriented architecture is a recent conceptual framework for service-oriented software platforms. Architectures are of great importance for the evolution of software systems. We present a modelling and transformation technique for service-centric distributed software systems. Architectural configurations, expressed through hierarchical architectural patterns, form the core of a specification and transformation technique. Patterns on different levels of abstraction form transformation invariants that structure and constrain the transformation process. We explore the role that patterns can play in architecture transformations in terms of functional properties, but also non-functional quality aspects