2nd Edition

Performance Evaluation of Industrial Systems Discrete Event Simulation in Using Excel/VBA, Second Edition

By David Elizandro, Hamdy Taha Copyright 2012
    504 Pages 578 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Basic approaches to discrete simulation have been process simulation languages (e.g., GPSS) and event-scheduling type (e.g., SIMSCRIPT). The trade-offs are that event-scheduling languages offer more modeling flexibility and process-oriented languages are more intuitive to the user. With these considerations in mind, authors David Elizandro and Hamdy Taha embarked on the development of a new discrete simulation environment that is easy to use, yet flexible enough to model complex production systems. They introduced this environment, Design Environment for Event Driven Simulation (DEEDS), in Simulation of Industrial Systems: Discrete Event Simulation in Using Excel/VBA. The DEEDS environment is itself an Excel/VBA add-in.

    Based on this foundation, the second edition, now titled Performance Evaluation of Industrial Systems: Discrete Event Simulation in Using Excel/VBA incorporates the use of discrete simulation to statistically analyze a system and render the most efficient time sequences, designs, upgrades, and operations. This updated edition includes new visualization graphics for DEEDS software, improvements in the optimization of the simulation algorithms, a new chapter on queuing models, and an Excel 2007 version of the DEEDS software. Organized into three parts, the book presents concepts of discrete simulation, covers DEEDS, and discusses a variety of applications using DEEDS.

    The flexibility of DEEDS makes it a great tool for students or novices to learn concepts of discrete simulation and this book can form the basis of an introductory undergraduate course on simulation. The expanded depth of coverage in the second edition gives it a richness other introductory texts do not have and provides practitioners a reference for their simulation projects. It may also be used as a research tool by faculty and graduate students who are interested in "optimizing" production systems.

    SIMULATION FUNDAMENTALS

    Simulation Modeling
    Why Simulate
    Types of Simulation
    The Simulation Clock
    Randomness in Simulation
    Discrete Simulation Languages
    Design Environment for Event Driven Simulation (DEEDS)
    The Two Sides of Simulation
    Organization of this Book
    Selected References
    Problems

    Probability and Statistics In Simulation
    Role of Probability and Statistics in Simulation
    Characterization of Common Distributions in Simulation
    Statistical Output Analysis
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    Elements of Discrete Simulation
    Concept of Events in Simulation
    Common Simulation Approaches
    Computations of Random Deviates
    Collecting Data in Simulation
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    Gathering Statistical Observations in Simulation
    Introduction
    Peculiarities of the Simulation Experiment
    Accounting for the Peculiarities of the Simulation Experiment
    Methods of Gathering Simulation Observations
    Variance Reduction Technique
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    Overview of Deeds
    Introduction
    Modeling Philosophy
    Basic Elements
    Basic Features
    Develop and Execute a Model
    Summary

    Network Representation
    Components of the Model
    Program Initial Conditions
    Summary
    Problems
    ExcelNBA and Design Environment for Discrete Event Simulation

    VBA
    Introduction
    Visual Basic Names
    VBA Data Types
    Variable Definitions
    Constants
    Expressions
    Assignment Statements
    Control Structures
    Procedures
    Arrays
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    User Interface
    Introduction
    Overview of Program Manager
    Source Nodes
    Queue Nodes
    Facility Nodes
    Initial Model
    Delay Nodes
    Statistical Variables
    User Defined Probability Distribution Functions
    User Defined Tables
    Program Execution Expanded
    Summary
    Problems

    Modeling Procedures
    Introduction
    VIBA Procedures
    Simulator Procedures
    DEEDS Classes
    Distribution Functions
    Visual Basic Functions
    Excel WorkSheetFunctions
    Summary
    Problems

    Simulation Output
    Introduction
    Gathering Observations
    Simulation Messages
    Monitoring Simulation During Execution
    Forced Model Tennination
    Standard Output
    Model Verification
    Interactive Debugger
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    Analysis of Simulation Results
    Introduction
    Effect of Transient State
    Gathering Statistical Observations
    Establish Confidence Intervals
    Hypothesis Testing in Simulation Experiments
    Summary

    Model Visualization
    Introduction
    Visualization Philosophy
    Basic Features
    Develop and Execute Models
    Summary

    Modeling Special Effects
    Introduction
    A Multi-server Facility to Represent Indepeudent Facilities
    Facility Preemption Operation
    Limit on Waiting Time in Queues
    Time-Dependent Inter-Creation Time at a Source
    Network Logic Change Using Queue Nodes
    Controlled Blockage of a Facility
    Assemble and Match Sets with Common Queues
    Jackson Networks
    Sampling Without Replacement
    Summary

    Advanced Routing Techniques
    Introduction
    Routing Transactions
    Synchronized Queues
    Assemble Transactions
    Summary
    Selected References
    Problems

    APPLICATIONS

    Model Design and Development
    Introduction
    System Specification
    Simulation Constants, Decision Variables, and Constraints
    Data Specifications
    Project Management
    Summary

    Facilities Layout Models
    Introduction
    Facilities Management
    Line Balancing Model
    AGVS and Flexible Manufacturing

    Material Handling Models
    Introduction
    Transporter Car
    Overhead Crane
    Carousel Conveyor
    Belt Conveyor Plywood Mill Operation
    Summary

    Inventory Control Models
    Introduction
    Discount Store Model
    Periodic Review Model
    Continuous Review Model
    Summary

    Scheduling Models
    Introduction
    Job Shop Scheduling
    PERT Project Scheduling
    Daily Manpower Allocation
    Summary

    Maintenance Models
    Introduction
    General Reliability Model
    Maintenance Planning Model
    Summary

    Quality Control Models
    Introduction
    Inspection Process Model
    Control Chart Model
    Summary

    Supply Chain Logistics Models
    Introduction
    POIt Operation Model
    Automatic Warehouse Operation
    Cross Dock Model
    Summary

    ANALYSIS OF LARGE SCALE MODELS

    Introduction
    Evaluation of Alternatives
    Design of Experiments
    Genetic Algorithms
    Summary

    Appendix A: DEEDS AddIn Installation
    Appendix B: Simulator Quick Guide
    Appendix C: Histograms with Excel

    Biography

    David Elizandro, Tennessee Tech University

    Hamdy Taha, University of Arkansas