2.1: Introduction

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How simulation models are constructed is the subject of this chapter. A simulation model consists of a description of a system and how it operates. The model is expressed in the form of mathematical and logical relationships among the system components. Model building is the act and art of representing a system with a model (principle 1) to address a well-defined purpose (principle 5).

Since simulation models conform to system structure and available data (principle 2), model building involves some significant judgment and art. Thus, learning to build simulation models includes learning typical ways system components are represented in models as well as how to adapt and embellish these modeling strategies to each system.

Model building is greatly aided by using a simulation language that provides a set of standard, pre-defined modeling constructs. These modeling constructs are combined to construct models. A simulation software environment provides the user interface and functionality for model construction.

This chapter presents common system components: arrivals, operations, routing, batching, and inventories, as well as describing typical models of each component. These models of components can be combined, extended and embellished to form models of entire systems. Elementary modeling constructs commonly found in simulation languages are presented. The use of these constructs in modeling the common system components is illustrated.