1.
System
Definition
A system is a set of interrelated components that interact with each other to achieve a
common goal.
In simulation, a real-world system is represented by a model to study its behavior over
time.
Example systems:
● Bank service system
● Manufacturing system
● Traffic system
● Computer network
Components of a System
1. Entities
Objects that exist in the system.
Examples:
● Customers in a bank
● Machines in a factory
2. Attributes
Properties or characteristics of entities.
Examples:
● Customer ID
● Priority level
3. Activities
Operations that take time to complete.
Example:
● Service time at a counter
4. Events
Instantaneous occurrences that change the system state.
Example:
● Customer arrival
● Service completion
5. State Variables
Variables describing the current condition of the system.
Example:
● Number of customers in queue
6. Resources
Items required to perform activities.
Example:
● Servers
● Machines
● Workers
Types of Systems
1. Discrete System
State changes only at specific points in time.
Example:
Bank queue.
2. Continuous System
State changes continuously with time.
Example:
Temperature variation.
Types of Models
A model is a simplified representation of a real system.
1. Static Model
Does not change with time.
Example:
Probability distributions.
2. Dynamic Model
System state changes over time.
Example:
CPU scheduling model.
Deterministic vs Stochastic Models
Deterministic Model
● No randomness
● Same input produces same output.
Example:
Mathematical equation.
Stochastic Model
● Contains randomness or probability.
Example:
Customer arrival in a queue.
Discrete vs Continuous Models
Discrete Model Continuous Model
State changes at specific time State changes
points continuously
Example: Bank queue Example: Temperature
Open vs Closed Systems
Open System
Interacts with external environment.
Example:
Business organization.
Closed System
Does not interact with environment.
Example:
Ideal chemical reaction.
Simulation
Definition
Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world system over time using a model.
It helps analyze system performance under different conditions.
Example:
● Testing traffic flow
● Studying queue waiting time.
Advantages of Simulation
1. No disturbance to real system.
2. Saves time and money.
3. Allows testing of new ideas.
4. Helps understand system variables.
5. Useful for what-if analysis.
Disadvantages of Simulation
1. Simulation may be expensive.
2. Requires specialized skills.
3. Model may not perfectly represent reality.
4. Results depend on quality of input data.
Static vs Dynamic Simulation
Static Simulation Dynamic Simulation
System does not change with System evolves over time
time
Example: Monte Carlo method Example: traffic simulation
Applications of Simulation
Simulation is used in many fields:
1. Manufacturing
● Production planning
● Inventory control
2. Semiconductor Industry
● Improve production cycle time
3. Construction Engineering
● Project scheduling
4. Military
● Training and strategy planning
5. Healthcare
● Patient flow analysis
6. Transportation
● Traffic management.
Queuing System
Definition
A queuing system is a model where entities arrive, wait in a queue, receive service, and then
leave the system.
It helps analyze:
● Waiting time
● Queue length
● Server utilization
● System efficiency.
Elements of a Queuing System
1. Calling Population
Source of customers.
Example:
People entering a bank.
2. Arrival Process
Pattern in which customers arrive.
Example:
Random arrivals.
3. Queue
Waiting line of customers.
4. Service Mechanism
Number of service counters.
5. Queue Discipline
Rule for selecting next customer.
Examples:
● FIFO (First In First Out)
● LIFO
● Priority.
6. System Capacity
Maximum number of customers allowed in system.
Types of Queuing Systems
1. Single Server System
Only one server.
Example:
Single cashier counter.
2. Multi Server System
Multiple service counters.
Example:
Bank with several tellers.
3. Single Phase System
One stage of service.
4. Multi Phase System
Multiple stages of service.
Example:
Hospital registration → doctor consultation.
Advantages of Queuing Models
1. Reduce waiting time.
2. Improve resource utilization.
3. Help design efficient systems.
4. Support cost-effective decisions.
Characteristics of Queuing Systems
1. Arrival Pattern
● Random
● Deterministic
2. Service Pattern
● Service time distribution
● Service rate
3. Number of Servers
Single or multiple servers.
4. Queue Capacity
Maximum customers allowed.
5. Calling Population
Source of customers.
6. Queue Discipline
Rule for selecting next customer.
7. System Structure
Single phase or multi phase.
Queuing Notation (Kendall’s Notation)
General form:
[
A/B/C/N/K
]
Where:
A = Arrival distribution
B = Service time distribution
C = Number of servers
N = System capacity
K = Size of calling population.
Common Symbols in Queuing
Symbol Meaning
M Exponential distribution
D Deterministic (constant)
E Erlang distribution
H Hyper-exponential
G General distribution
GI General independent
Example:
M/M/1
● Exponential arrival
● Exponential service
● Single server.
Steps in Simulation Study
1. Problem formulation
2. Setting objectives and project plan
3. Model conceptualization
4. Data collection
5. Model translation
6. Verification
7. Validation
8. Experimental design
9. Production runs and analysis
10.More runs if required
11.Documentation and reporting
12.Implementation.
Simulation Languages
Simulation languages are programming tools designed specifically for building simulation
models.
Characteristics
● Built-in support for entities, events, queues, and resources
● Require programming knowledge
● Highly flexible.
Types of Simulation Languages
1. GPSS
● Block-oriented language
● Suitable for queue systems
● Easy but limited flexibility.
2. SIMSCRIPT
● Process-oriented language
● Used for large complex simulations.
3. SIMULA
● Object-oriented simulation language
● Basis of OOP.
4. CSL
● Continuous system language
● Used in control systems.
Simulation Packages
Simulation packages are ready-made tools with graphical interfaces for simulation
modeling.
Characteristics
● Minimal programming
● Faster model development
● Drag-and-drop interface.
Popular Simulation Packages
1. ARENA
Used in industry for manufacturing systems.
2. SIMUL8
Visual simulation tool for business processes.
3. MATLAB (Simulink)
Used for engineering and control systems.
4. AnyLogic
Supports discrete, continuous, and agent-based simulation.
Simulation Languages vs Packages
Feature Simulation Simulation
Languages Packages
Programming Required Minimal
Flexibility High Medium
Ease of use Difficult Easy
Development time Long Short
Applications of Simulation
● Manufacturing systems
● Queuing systems
● Traffic systems
● Healthcare systems
● Computer networks
● Transportation systems.