INDU6311:

Discrete System Simulation

Winter 2024

Marzieh Ghiyasinasab

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Lecture 1: What is Simulation? +
Course Logistics

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 Agenda for this class

 What is simulation?

 Classification of simulation models

 Examples of simulation

 Simulation Model Components

 Administration

 Course goals

 Grading

 Lectures, labs, project

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 Simulation is …

 The imitation, on the computer, of the operations of a real system over

time
 The generation and observation of an artificial history of a system to draw
inferences about the real system

Discrete-Event System Simulation, J. Banks, J. S. Carson II, B. L. Nelson

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 Simulation involves …

building a model, i.e., a representation of the

system/process under study, usually on a computer

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Systems
 What is a system?
 A collection of entities that act and interact together toward the
accomplishment of some logical end. (Schmidt and Taylor, 1970)

 Examples of entities: product components; people

 Examples of act/interact: move around, change status (e.g.,
customer starts service), change status of others (e.g., clerk
starts serving a customer)
 Examples of a logical end: produce a product, serve a customer
 In practice, how should we
define a system?
 Depends on objectives of study!

 Will limit the boundaries (physical and logical)

of the system

 Will dictate the level of detail

Example 1: Drill Press System
Objective: determine whether we should
run the drill press at a higher speed

Drilling Center
Drill Press
Arriving Departing
Blank Finished
Parts Parts

Queue

Part in Process
Example 2: Production System

Objective: determine the cause of long lead times

Cutting Painting Drilling

Arriving Center Center Center
Blank Departing
Parts Finished
Parts
 Discrete vs. Continuous
Systems
 Types of systems (with respect to time)
 Discrete
 State variables change instantaneously at separated
points in time, e.g., bank – # of customers in line
changes only when a customer arrives or departs
 Continuous
 State variables change continuously as a function of
time, e.g., vehicle on a highway – position and
velocity of the vehicle changes continuously
 Partly discrete, partly continuous
 Ways to Study a System

a model is a representation of
the system/process under study

A. M. Law, Simulation Modeling

and Analysis, Chapter 1
Simulation Modelling of
Systems
 Classification of simulation models

Based on time variable

– Static (independent of time, Monte Carlo) vs
– Dynamic (evolve over time)

Based on output variables (state variables) of a dynamic system

– Discrete (System state variables change instantaneously at separate points in
time (discrete events))
– Continuous (System state variables change continuously as a function of time
(continuous events))
Example of a continuous system:
Design of a tank: simulate the filling of a liquid tank.
We would like to know at what level the tank will be in time t=100 minutes.

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 Classification of simulation models
Classification of simulation models according to input variables
– Deterministic (differential equations, mathematical programming) vs
– Stochastic (laws of probability, random events)

Static

Mathematic Mont Carlo

programing Simulation
Marcov chains

Deterministic Stochastic
Discrete event
Differential equations simulation

Dynamic

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 Classification of simulation models

Models

Deterministic Stochastic

Static Dynamic Static Dynamic

Discrete Continuous

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 Classification of Simulation
Models (based on AnyLogic)
 Agent-based – “if there are many
independent objects”
 System dynamics – “if there is only
information about global dependencies”
 Discrete-event – “if a system is easily
described as a process’’
 Mixed – if the system has all three of
the above
https://www.anylogic.com/use-of-simulation/multimethod-modeling/
 Example 1: Airport

 Passengers arrive/depart (go through check-in, security, boarding)

 Planes arrive/depart
 resources are needed to “service” a plane (runway, gate, baggage
carousel, security personnel, re-fueling, re-stock food, …)
 Simulation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuXwEbAvk2Q

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 Example 2: Manufacturing

 Raw materials and parts go through machines and conveyor belts, require storage
space
 Machines require operators
 Simulation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtGZgSYBstI

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 Example 3: Healthcare

 Emergency rooms with patients of different acuity requiring different types of

care/beds

https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-hu/company/news/blogs/arena-simulation-
software-can-improve-patient-care.html

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 Additional Examples

 See textbooks

 See

https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/company/news/case-studies.html

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Why would you
want to simulate?

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 Simulation and Analytics

 A simulation model is a descriptive model: it provides a detailed representation of

the system under study

 A simulation model is also a predictive model: can be used for what-if analyses

 Simulation models can also be part of prescriptive modelling when combined with
experimental design or optimization

(Rossetti 2021)

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 When to use simulation?

 When an exact answer is not possible. Ex: Model is stochastic in nature

 When we are looking for a good answer and not the optimal one.
For:
 Analyze a new system without building it;
 Analyze a current system without disturbing it;
 Predict the behavior and evolution of a system.

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 Example 1: Airport

 Can the airport handle an increase in the number of

arriving/departing flights per day?

 Is this profitable for the airport?

 How many more flights can the airport handle safely?
 How many additional employees need to be hired?

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 Example 2: Manufacturing

 How can we reduce lead times?

 Install more machines? Hire more personnel? Which
one will be more effective?

 Where are the process bottlenecks?

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 Example 3: Healthcare

 How can we reduce patient wait times?

 Prioritize patients differently?
 Create a different work schedule for doctors?

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 Advantages of simulation

 After building the model, it is possible to use it frequently in order to analyse plans or future
policies.
 Simulation techniques can be used to assist the analysis of any proposed system, even if the
input data is approximate and imperfect, or system does not exist.
 Through using analytical models, the analyst can usually measure only a limited number of
measurement criteria of the system performance, while data generated from simulation
models is applicable to estimate any expected criterion of performance measurement.
 Reduce the cost of real changes in the system

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 Disadvantages of simulation

 Cost of creation of the model

 Requires in-depth knowledge
 Simplification of reality

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 Examples of Simulation software

 Simio
 Anylogic
 ARENA
 Introduced by Takus and Profozich in 1997
 A generic discrete-event simulation language with a powerful graphical
interface.
 Consists of module templates, constructed around
SIMAN language patterns, augmented by a visual front end

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 Simulation steps

1. Determine the objective of the study, i.e.

the question?
2. Define the system, i.e. the entities,
resources, etc.(Conceptual model)
3. Build the computational model
4. Verify and validate the model
5. Run multiple simulations
6. Collect, analyze and document results

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Simulation Model Components
 Entities Arena preview: all of
these are used in Arena!
 Attributes
 (Global) Variables
 Resources
 Queues
 Statistical Accumulators
 Events
Entities
 Usually representations of real entities
(e.g., parts, customers)
 Dynamic objects
 Are created (e.g., simulate arrival)
 Move around/change status for a while
(e.g., simulate activities)
 Usually are disposed of (e.g., simulate
departure)
Entities
 There might be only one kind of entity
but many realizations
 For example, many different parts of the
same type
Attributes
 Common characteristic of all entities
 BUT
 with a specific value that can differ from
one entity to another
 Examples: colour, due date, priority
 Arena preview: built-in
vs. user-defined variables
Variables
 Reflect some characteristic of your
system
 Attributes are entity labels;
variables are “the writing on wall”
 Examples: # in the queue,
#of busy servers, simulation clock
Resources
 Resources serve entities
 Examples: personnel, equipment, space
 An entity…
 initially seizes some # of units of a
resource
 later releases these units when service is
finished
Queues
 If an entity needs a resource but the
resource is being used by another
entity, it has to wait in a queue
 Example: physical space buffer in a
factory; virtual queue of patients
waiting for an appointment with a
specialist
 System State

 System State: collection of variables and

their values necessary to describe the
system at a particular time
 Might depend on desired objectives, output
performance measures
 Examples:
 Machine status (idle or busy)
 Number of parts waiting in queue, etc.
 Events
 Recall that
 State: collection of variables and their values
necessary to describe the system at a particular
time

 Events: change the system state, i.e., change

the values of some (or all) of the variables
Events

An event involves (or may involve):

• Changes in the state of one (several) entities.
• Changes in the list of future events.

Two types of events

"B" (bound): Consequence of another event, its
beginning is fixed.
"C" (Conditional): It cannot be programmed in
advance because it only triggers when a set of
conditions are met.
 Exemple : ATM
Type
Bound/conditio
Events nal Conditions Changes in states
 Exemple : ATM
Type
Bound/conditio
Events nal Conditions Changes in states

Arrival of a Add 1 customer to

B
customer queue with "waiting"
status

Starting "Free" Customer 1

C switches to "using
the use of counter and
ATM at least 1 the counter".
customer in Counter changes to
line "Busy"
Finishing The client goes to
B
the use of out. The counter
ATM changes to "Free"
 Discrete-Event Simulation

 State variables change instantaneously at

separated points in time
 State can change at only a countable number of
points in time
 These points in time are when events occur
 Your turn! Give an example of
entities, attributes, resources,
variables, and events

Time at painting center: Time at drilling center: 20 seconds for circle

1 minute parts, 30 seconds for diamond parts

Blank parts
arrive at a Painting Drilling
rate of Center Center Departing
2/minute Finished
Parts
c

Course Structure,Logistics,etc.

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 Objectives

At the end of this course, the student will be able to

 recognize the usefulness of simulation as a decision support tool;

 structure, propose and control a practical simulation project in a real context;

 become familiar with the most popular tools of the simulation approach;

 interpret the results obtained from the simulation and clearly understand the limitations regarding
the analysis of these results.

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 Course Material

 Course outline, various guidelines

 Weekly
 Lecture slides
 Lab handouts
 Readings
 Problem sets and (most) solutions
 Video tutorials
 Surveys/Activities
 Course announcements
 Discussion board

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 Course Material

 Slides will be posted on course website

 based on Dr. Daria Terekhov’s slides
 based on slides from the “Simulation with

Arena” textbook by Kelton, Sadowski, Zupick

 based on “Simulation Modeling and Arena” textbook

by Manuel D. Rossetti
 based on “Simulation Modeling and Analysis” by A.
Law
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 Required Textbook

 Open-source & free!

 Rossetti, M.D. (2021). Simulation Modeling
and Arena, 3rd and Open Text Edition.
Retrieved from
https://rossetti.github.io/RossettiArenaBook/
 licensed under the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
4.0 International License.

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 Other Useful Textbooks

 Simulation with Arena, Kelton, Sadowski and Zupick (any

edition but latest is 6)

 Discrete-Event System Simulation,

J. Banks, J. S. Carson II, B. L. Nelson, D. M. Nicol

 Simulation Modeling and Analysis,

A. M. Law

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 Learning Arena – Why?

 As an Industrial Engineer, you need to

know at least one simulation package!
 Can’t use simulation if you can’t
implement it on the computer!
 Will be added to your toolbox… and
your CV!

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 Arena Software
Before next class:
• Install/Access Arena
 Student version: download at • Watch online tutorials
https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-
us/products/software/arena-simulation/buying-
options/download.html
 Full version: connect to Concordia labs

H903 and H907

H835 and H837
are reserved for lab sessions
Important for being able to use the lab:

Activate your ENCS account

• Email IT support
• Ask from room 964 H building

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 Learning Arena

 Mostly on your own (graduate school!)

 Videos will be posted on Moodle
 lab classes – you will have to work
through a set of problems

Practice, practice, practice!!!

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Learning to Learn Software

 Labs will provide you with a worksheet

 You need to learn how to use the User
Manual and Variables Guide
 You need to learn how to use new
features of the software

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 Grading

GRADING POLICY
Evaluation Tool Weight
Individual Assignment(s)/quizzes 25%
Midterm 25%
Project 20%
Final 30%
Total 100%
Passing Criteria:
 In order to pass the class (get a C), your cumulative score must be above 50%, and your
midterm score must be above 50%. Your final score must be above 50%.
 Note that your grade on any part of the course may be verified by an oral exam

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 Course Questions:

Method I :
Post question on DISCUSSION BOARD!
 If you have a question, chances are that other students do too!
 You can reply to other students’ questions!
 You can ask for further clarifications!

Method II : Office Hours: Mondays 11 to 12/email or email

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 Lab questions

 Lab instructors' office hours

 Will be announced in Moodle

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Course Rules

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Rule #1

 If you are not here to learn or if you

plan to slack off, drop the class

You are paying lots of money for this

education, so don’t waste the opportunity
to learn skills that will help you get a job!

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Rule #2

 Be polite during class

 During class, please keep your phone
silent, while the instructor, TA, or
classmate is speaking

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Rule #3

 Prerequisite: Knowledge of probability

and statistics at the undergraduate level
is required.

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 Rule #4

 There will be various group work and peer-

review exercises in the class – please be
constructive and respectful of others and
act professionally!

 Disrespectful or unprofessional behaviour

toward other students, instructor or client
organizations will be reported to the Dean

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 Rule #5

 Academic code of conduct

https://www.concordia.ca/conduct/academic-integrity.html
 Any unauthorized collaboration or use of
material will be reported
 What does unauthorized mean?
 See above link
 Example: if an assignment is individual but you
collaborate with your friend to solve it; if you ask
another person to conduct some or all of your work

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 Assignment submission

 Make sure that your files will be opened correctly

 Make sure you had uploaded all requested files
 Make sure you uploaded the right file
 Make sure you uploaded on-time
 No submission by email will be accepted

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 Getting good grades

If you need to get a certain grade for any reason, ex. A+ or need to pass the course

What to do
 Participate in classes and labs
 Follow the lab handouts and practices
 Be an active student
 Work well on assignments and exams
 Study well

Not to do ?
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 CRITICAL DATES (for the 2023 winter semester)
Date Week Topic
16-Jan 1 Introduction
23-Jan 2 Simulation Fundamentals: Logic, Hand Simulation,
Randomness
30-Jan 3 Arena Lab I
06-Feb 4 Arena Lab II
13-Feb 5 Validation, Input Analysis
20-Feb 6 Lab III: Validation and Input Analysis
05-March 7 Output Analysis
12-March 8 Midterm
19-March 9 Lab IV: Output Analysis
26-March 10 Random Number Generation and comparison of
alternatives

02-Apr 11 Lab V: process analysis

09-Apr 12 Presentations

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Questions

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