A simulation software program can serve a variety of purposes for many businesses. Simulation software can mimic actual operations by using mathematical formulas to set variables. Most of the time, it is used to design products and equipment without having to constantly build prototypes. Suppliers of simulation software design programs for a variety of industries, including software programming, electronics, biomedicine, business and scientific studies.

Business simulation software helps companies forecast future growth. Simulations for businesses may include financial risk assessment, and analysis of possible market strategies. You can find simulation software education and training through:

1. Online training courses and seminars that teach the features of a simulation software program.

2. Tutorials that explain how to use basic and advanced features.

3. Online resources that include videos, articles and tech support.

Action Steps
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Get online training provided by simulation software providers

Many simulation software providers offer customers training programs that teach them how to use their software. This can be done in a variety of ways, but many companies choose online training. This provides convenient, anytime training for software users, as well as a cost-effective solution for both the provider and the consumer.

I recommend: CreateASoft provides online training courses and on-site training for its simulation software. Simul8 provides on-demand modeling support for its simulation software titles.

Utilize tutorials provided by sellers of simulation software

To provide employees with a self-guided training course, you can utilize training tutorials for the brand of simulation software your business uses. Tutorials can stand alone as a complete training course, or can be used as part of classroom training activities.

I recommend: Connexions provides tutorials for its digital simulation software that explain the basic features of the program and how to use it. Its program helps engineers design circuitry. Xilinx provides flash tutorials for its design and simulation software titles.

Explore online resources offered by providers of business simulation software

Not all providers of simulation software have comprehensive training programs to teach employees how to use the program, but most providers do offer some time of learning or support online. These reference tools can serve as training materials for new employees or continuing education opportunities for employees that may already be familiar with the program.

I recommend: EnSight offers practical tips that help users of its simulation software better understand certain features, like how to self-extract files and create a unique interface. NEi Software hosts webinars on the use of its simulation software, as well as general simulation and testing topics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Business simulation software suppliers are not the only resources for simulation software education and training. Many consulting groups also provide training for businesses that want to use simulation software.

Simulation software is a handy tool for predicting possible outcomes of certain business decisions. Certain things like product launches, budgeting changes and advertising campaigns are often hit or miss, but with the help of sophisticated business software you can visualize the possible consequences before it's too late to make a change.

When choosing a simulation software program, there are many things you should consider. You need to find a program that can work within the parameters of your business, and it's even better if you have something that's tailored towards your industry. You'll also want to look at:

1. The history of the business-simulation software suppliers. You want to work with someone who has a track record of satisfied customers.

2. The type of platform that the simulation software runs on. This is typically either Windows- or Linux-based.

3. The amount of control you have over the program you choose. You want to be able to tailor the experience to closely match the parameters of your business.

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Compare simulation software features before deciding on a system

When you start evaluating at simulation software packages, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the various options before attempting a simulation software comparison. Once you have an idea of what they should offer, you can look at different programs side-by-side to see which one most closely matches the needs of your business. Some may have more customizable features, while others may offer more options in outcomes and predictions.

I recommend: Compare several different programs. Rockwell Automation has several variations of its Arena software that you can evaluate and compare the features of. BTS also offers business simulation packages that are worth a look.

Find a simulation software application that's intuitive and easy to use

The best simulation software won't do you a lot of good if you don't understand how to manipulate it to get what you want out of it. Look for a program that's easy to use and that comes with a training course. Many companies even offer seminars or hands-on lessons to make it even easier to use the software once it's set up in your office.

I recommend: Pick a software package that comes with training. Flexsim regularly holds training sessions at its offices and gives users the option to have on-site training and help. GoldSim also offers training and online courses to make sure that you're comfortable with the software right from the beginning.

Compare prices and services of several different suppliers of simulation software

Once you know what to look for in a piece of software, it's time to start talking prices. Many companies have different prices depending on how many computers you plan to install the software on. They may also have different levels of the software, which vary depending on what you plan to use the system for.

I recommend: Price a few systems that most closely meet your needs. You can begin by getting quotes from iRise and Powersim software to get a baseline for what a simulation software package should cost you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't find what you need, many simulation software providers can create a custom program to fit the needs of your business better.

Simulation software is a great tool for many businesses that want to determine future outcomes in business ventures. Simulation software can serve a variety of purposes, from predicting the changes needed in a budget to helping estimate costs for a new product launch. Often, simulation software is the starting point for businesses to make plans. Simulation software works on a number of complex algorithms and key information to help make use of the information provided.

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Templates

Templates in simulation software provide companies with a way to easily input information to determine a specific outcome. Most simulation software titles provide a variety of templates for basic and advanced simulation processes.

I recommend: Arena Simulation offers information on the type of templates that its professional edition software offers companies.

Models

Models in simulation differ from templates in that models offer a chance to create a continuous budget or business process, while a template offers only a one-time simulation.

I recommend: The University of Baltimore offers information on modeling and simulations in simulation software.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a method of simulation in business that specifically does away with many defects in data to find a near-perfect measure of quality. This method is used in simulation software to help save money and better predict actual costs of projects.

I recommend: iSix-Sigma offers a detailed description of what Six Sigma is and how it works to help save costs to businesses.

Supply chain processes

Another function of simulation software is the ability to create, organize and maintain successful supply chain processes in a business. The supply chain process is the way that products go from a company into the hands of the consumer.

I recommend: The Supply Chain Council offers the Supply Chains Operations Reference (SCOR) model used by many types of simulation software to help improve supply chain processes.

Causal relationships

Causal relationships are the relationships where one action is directly related to the cause of another action. Causal relationships in simulation software help determine outcomes by predicting where the causal relationships are in the topic being simulated.

I recommend: Knowledge Miner offers information on how data models can correctly show causal relationships in simulations.

Cycle times

The cycle time of a simulation is the time that it takes a simulation process to complete.

I recommend: A paper from the director of the ATRIUM Laboratory at the University of Southern California offers a detailed examination of using simulation and modeling software to predict processes in software development.

Suppliers of simulation software rely on a wide body of academic research to package products that model scenarios in business, manufacturing, chemistry, biology, economics and pure mathematics. In fact, much of the business simulation software on the market uses relatively old research to predict growth and future market conditions. Those who want to buy business simulation software should have a firm handle on the limitations of such a product, as well as its potential benefits.

As you compare simulation software features, you should be on the lookout for a program that is adept at model-building for your application. Figuring out what type of modeling you need will require some research, and you should probably speak with providers of simulation software to make sure you are getting value for your money. Look for:

1. Case studies to find out how a simulation software has been used in the past.

2. How a simulation program accounts for random, unknowable events, if applicable.

3. The software's reporting features: a powerful simulation software does you little good if you don't clearly understand its findings.

Action Steps
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Find out what a simulation software program can do to choose one that fits your application

The key to effectively using simulation software is choosing one that models relevant variables -- which, given infinite number of factors that play into real-life situations, can be rather tricky. There are, however, common models for different applications.

I recommend: Simulation Technology Magazine has an overview of simulation technology, and how programs may be applied to networks, artificial intelligence and Web traffic, among other things. Hearne outlines discreet-event modeling, Monte Carlo modeling and optimization, and suggests which is best in different situations. BNET has an article that discusses the direction of future operations management research, and the limitation of simulation software packages currently on the market.

Get simulation software advice and ratings from computing and trade magazines

Simulation software is used in both academia and industry. Whichever you belong to, you can find information about simulation software and reviews from respected publications.

I recommend: Scientific Computing World has an extensive archive of simulation software reviews. OR/MS Today publishes a survey of simulation software vendors -- its in-depth questionnaire asks about a product's features, applications, model-building and support, among other things, so readers can make a simulation software comparison. OR/MS Today also publishes its own software reviews.

Seek advice on choosing simulation software

Choosing simulation software is a skill all its own. You must be well acquainted with the business, scientific or engineering process you wish to model, and find a program or software developer capable of making the types of projections you need.

I recommend: Simulation Magazine features a different simulation application each month, with an in-depth analysis of how simulation was used to roll out a new system, forecast business decisions or cut manufacturing costs. The magazine also features a list of seminars and workshops, many of which are geared to choosing effective simulation software. The Association of Computing Machinery publishes a paper on evaluating simulation software.