Simulation Software Advice and Ratings

Find a simulation software application that works for your organization

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

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