What is the Simulation?
The term simulation is used in different ways by different people. A simulation uses a mathematical description, or model, of a real system in the form of a computer program. As far as this office is concerned, simulation is defined as the process of creating a model of an existing or proposed system (e.g., a project, a business, a mine, a watershed, a forest, the organs in your body) in order to identify and understand those factors which control the system and/or to predict the future behavior of the system.
Purpose of Simulation
The underlying purpose of simulation is to shed light on the underlying mechanisms that control the behavior of a system. More practically, simulation can be used to predict the future of behavior of a system, and determine what you can do influence that future behavior. That is, simulation can be used to predict the way in which the system will evolve and respond to its surroundings, so that you can identify any necessary changes that will help make the system perform the way that you want to it.
The Power of Simulation
Simulation is a powerful and important tool because it provides a way in which alternative designs, plans and/or policies can be evaluated without having to experiment on a real system, which may be costly, time-consuming etc.
Although simulation can be valuable tool for better understanding the underlying mechanisms that control the behavior of a system, using simulation to make predictions of the future behavior of a system can be difficult. This is because, for most real world systems, at least some of the controlling parameters, processes and events are often stochastic, uncertain and/or poorly understood. The objective of many simulations is to identify and quantify the risks associated with a particular option, plan or design. Simulating a system in the face of such uncertainty and computing such risks requires that the uncertainties be quantitatively included in the calculations.
Simulation Software
Simulation is a design analysis and support tool. Simulation software allows you to evaluate, compare and optimize alternative designs, plans and policies. As such, it provides a tool for explaining and defending decisions to various stakeholders.
