CAPITULO 2

What is simulation?

 A simulation is the imitation of the operation of real-world process or system over

time.
 It is a fictitious representation of a real situation that is experienced with a
model that is an abstraction of reality
Why simulate?

 get more knowledge of the system

 develop plans or policies of a system
 evaluate new concepts or systems before their implementation
 identify specific problems or problem areas of a system
 It is useful when a problem cannot be solved by an analytical or numerical model

the simulation allows

 predict the behavior of a new system

 predict the changes of an existing system
 evaluate any system under experimental conditions

the simulation does not allow

 Does not optimize system performance

 It does not solve problems or give solutions
 does not give exact data if it provides inaccurate data
 does not describe the characteristics of a system that have not been explicitly modeled

When Simulation Is Not Appropriate

 When the problem can be solved by common sense.

 When the problem can be solved analytically.
  If it is easier to perform direct experiments.
 If cost exceed savings.
 If resource or time are not available.
 If system behavior is too complex.

Simulation applications

 waiting lines
 inventory system
 manufacturing system
 service industry
 communication areas
 entertainment area
 transportation and distribution systems

Simulation types

 terminal simulation

The system fills and empties according to a fixed time horizon

 non-terminal simulation
The system operates for a fixed time horizon but the work extends beyond the horizon

CAPITULO 3

What is a system?

System is the set of objects or ideas that are interrelated as a unit for the attainment of an end. Be
part of real life.

elements of a system

From a simulation perspective, a system consists of entities, activities, resources and controls

Entity: Are the elements processed through the system Entities can have unique
characteristics, such as cost, form, priority, quality or condition.
Entities can be subdivided into:

• animated

• inanimate
• intangible

activity: Are those tasks that are performed within the system that are directly or indirectly
involved in the processing of entities.

Means: they are the means by which activities are carried out, these have characteristics such as
capacity, speed, cycle time and reliability.

Entities can be subdivided into:

• animated

• intangible

• inanimate

Controls: are those that impose order on the system, such as plans, policies and work schedules.