Page 65 - DCAP601_SIMULATION_AND_MODELING

Unit 4: Discrete System Simulation (I)

Hospital Applications Notes

An operating theater is generally shared between several surgical disciplines. Through better
understanding the nature of these procedures it may be possible to increase the patient throughput.
Example: If a heart surgery takes on average four hours, changing an operating room schedule
from eight available hours to nine will not increase patient throughput. On the other hand, if a
hernia procedure takes on average twenty minutes providing an extra hour may also not yield
any increased throughput if the capacity and average time spent in the recovery room is not
considered.

Custom Order Environments

Many systems show very different characteristics from day to day depending on the order mix.
Many small orders may cause bottle-necks due to excess changeovers. Large custom orders may
require extra processing at a point where the system has particularly low capacity. Simulation
allows management to understand what changes ‘on average’ would have the largest impact
and greatest return-on-investment.

Lab Test Performance Improvement Ideas

Many systems improvement ideas are build on sound principles, proven methodologies (Lean,
Six Sigma, TQM, etc.) yet fail to improve the overall system. A simulation model allows the user
to understand and test a performance improvement idea in the context of the overall system.

Evaluating Capital Investment Decisions

Simulation is commonly used to model potential investments. Through investments decision-
makers can make informed decisions and evaluate potential alternatives.

Often these decisions look at altering existing operations. Typically, a model of the current state
is constructed. This ‘current state’ model is tested and validated against historical data. Once the
model is operating correctly, the simulation is altered to reflect the proposed capital investments.
This ‘future state’ model is then stress-tested to ensure the alterations perform as desired.

Occasionally, organizations take on entirely new operations processes. These could be new
Lean facilities, designed around new products or using new technology. In these cases only a
‘future state’ model is constructed. The testing and validation may require more analysis. There
are companies and experts that specialize in simulation building who may be brought in to
help.
Stress Test a System

Models can be used to understand how a system will be able to weather extraordinary conditions.
A simulation can help management understand: large increases in orders, significant swings in
product mix, new client delivery demands (i.e. 1 week lead times), and economic events (i.e. a
multinational with operations in South America and Asia sees significant swings in currencies).

Did u know? Full form of DES
DES: Discrete Event Simulation

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