Applied Simulation

Simulation is an applied technology that adds no value if not used effectively. This book is all about applying simulation in manufacturing, mining, healthcare, transportation, retail, distribution, and more. While traditional simulation texts focus on simulation theory, this book achieves a balance between the important theory and practical issues that lead to simulation success. This book covers topics not found in most other texts. It includes chapters on justifying, defining and managing simulation projects. Applied Simulation Modeling and Analysis using Flexsim enhances the traditional approach to simulation education and provides a truly fresh view to the professional practice of simulation.

Simulation is an applied technology that adds no value if not used effectively. This book is all about applying simulation in manufacturing, mining, healthcare, transportation, retail, distribution, and more. While traditional simulation texts focus on simulation theory, this book achieves a balance between the important theory and practical issues that lead to simulation success. Written by authors who have in-depth knowledge of simulation and statistics theory as well as extensive experience in teaching and successfully applying simulation, it provides techniques and practical advice. This book covers topics not found in most other texts. It includes chapters on justifying, defining and managing simulation projects. Each exercise is based on actual experience from a wide variety of dynamic operations. The exercises pose unique problems to be solved using simulation as a tool. Also included are application techniques concerning how to manage and store simulation data, picking the correct length of time a simulation should be run, as well as control communications between simulated equipment. Simulating fluid flow, reliability involving competing failures, time schedules, and production scheduling are topics unique to this book. Review questions at the end of each chapter, an Appendix of added detail, and educator support materials are reasons this book is being used for teaching simulation as an applied technology around the world. The ease-of-use and native 3D graphic environment of Flexsim means very little time needs to be spent addressing software details. The interest and focus is always on applying the technology. Applied Simulation Modeling and Analysis using Flexsim enhances the traditional approach to simulation education and provides a truly fresh view to the professional practice of simulation.

After a 40 year career applying advanced control and simulation to industrial problems, Malcolm Beaverstock retired to join FlexSim. During his 13 years with General Mills, he developed and led their simulation program which was involved with more than 300 projects and resulted in significant savings attributed to the use of simulation. Following graduate studies, Malcolm joined UniRoyal Chemical as manager of their advanced control group where he installed direct digital control systems. During his 17 years at the Foxboro Company he managed various technology groups and established the systems research department that resulted in the early development of Foxboro’s I/A control system. As Vice President of Automation Technology, Malcolm initiated work into model-based control applications. Malcolm holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Labor Relations from MIT and a Doctorate from Cornell University in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science. He’s the author of more than 200 papers on the application and use of advanced technologies.