Microsoft Word - INFOTECH98.DOC

Abstract--This paper proposes a methodology for applying simulation technology to the monitoring and control of operations. This methodology includes the use of an operationally-focused, aggregate-level, discrete-event simulation. Within this methodology the progress of the real operation and the simulated (planned) operation are compared by intelligent agents. These agents can launch additional simulations and other tools to explore differences between the ongoing operation and the plan. Based on the results produced by these agent-launched tools, appropriate advisory actions are taken

Simulation: Fast Prototyping of a Goal-Oriented Simulation Environment System

The goal-oriented Simulation Environment Systems (SES) architecture ‘humanizes‘ the problem solving process by providing a more natural scheme of model construction and experimentation over traditional simulation languages. SES is a collection of integrated tools that allows users to focus on problem solving rather than on the peripheral activities of programming. Interactive software plays a vital role in reducing the burden on the user in describing the various information types. It prompts for information regarding identification of controllable parameters, generation of the goal scenario, and definition of performance criteria. Efforts are made to supply the user with as much information as is currently defined in the model base when eliciting responses. Further, the SES model specification language is specifically designed to support a library of model parts. Such a library serves as a corporate memory of past simulation studies and contains information on component behaviours, transaction sequences, and analysis rules. © The British Computer Societ