OR/MS Today


Simulation Software Survey



The information in the survey was provided by the vendors in response to a questionnaire developed by James Swain. The survey should not be considered as comprehensive, but rather as a representation of available simulation packages.

Questionnaires were sent to simulation vendors drawn from previous survey participants, the OR/MS Today database and other sources. It includes the products of those vendors who responded by the deadline. If you know of a simulation package that is not in this survey, please contact Patton McGinley at (770) 431-0867, ext. 214 or e-mail patton@lionhrtpub.com. It will be included in an online version.

Editor's note: We received more than 50 packages for this survey. Due to space constraints, we could only list 48 in the printed version of OR/MS Today. This online version lists 50 of the submitted packages, including those not seen in the print version.

UPDATES:
12/30/09 — added Simio from Simio LLC

Be sure to read the accompanying article

The survey is divided into 8 separate pages. Following is an index of the pages and the information they contain:

Page 1
  • Vendors
  • Typical Applications of the software
  • Primary Markets for which the software is applied
  • System Requirements: RAM , Operating Systems

    Page 2
  • Model Building: Graphical model construction (icon or drag-and-drop), Model building using programming/ access to programmed modules, Run time debug

    Page 3
  • Model Building (continued): Input Distribution Fitting (Specify), Output Analysis Support (Specify), Batch run or experimental design (Specify)

    Page 4
  • Model Building (continued): Optimization (Specify), Code reuse (e.g., objects, templates), Model Packaging (e.g., can completed model be shared with others who might lack the software to develop their own model?), Tools to support packaging (Specify), Does this feature cost extra?

    Page 5
  • Model Building (continued): Cost Allocation/Costing, Mixed Discrete/Continuous Modeling (Levels, Flows, etc.)
  • Animation: Animation, Real-time viewing, Export animation (e.g., MPEG version that can run independent of simulation for presentation), Compatible animation software, 3D Animation, Import CAD drawings

    Page 6
  • Support/Training: User Support/Hotline, User group or discussion area, Training Courses, On site Training, Consulting Available
  • Price: Standard, Student Version

    Page 7
  • Major new features (since 2007)
  • Vendor Comments

    Vendor List
  • Software vendor contact information

  • The survey appeared in the October 2009 issue of OR/MS Today. To order a copy of this issue, contact Customer Service at 770-431-0867, ext. 224 or send e-mail to: csr@lionhrtpub.com.



    OR/MS Today copyright © 2009 by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. All rights reserved.


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