Q&A:
ReferenceModels & Simulation
What Is A ReferenceModel?
We utilize off-the-shelf simulation software that you may expect to see in a manufacturing environment to test and optimize systems BEFORE committing large amounts of funding to change procedures, software and hardware. Based on business flows, simulation can be used to demonstrate the execution of business systems, creation, consumption & alteration of information, behavior of people, machines & systems, and the movement of capital.
A ReferenceModel is a simulation in which processes, information and behaviors are verified by the companies and staff that perform those processes. While no model is ever perfect, our verification process ensures that the simulated process fairly represents the real world to the extent that a model can.
Why simulation?
In any industry, company or department, the interaction between people, products, information and funds is highly interwoven and complex. Sometimes, assessing any changes to these “systems” is calculable, other times it’s merely an educated guess. We simply cannot grasp the interactions that may be affected once changes are introduced into a system. Because of this, final decisions are often based on the strongest opinion in the room or what seems most “reasonable.” All too often, this results in untapped innovations, modifications or advancements.
At the Center for Supply Chain Studies (Center), we utilize off-the-shelf simulation software that you may expect to see in a manufacturing environment to test and optimize systems BEFORE committing large amounts of funding to change procedures, software and hardware. Based on business flows, simulation can be used to demonstrate the execution of business systems, creation, consumption & alteration of information, behavior of people, machines & systems, and the movement of capital.
Why ReferenceModel-based Studies?
Through simulation modeling, organizations are able to gain a competitive edge in managing the complexities of their systems while they compare, contrast and explore alternatives.
But all too often, companies make the mistake of using simulation modeling for single projects, resulting in non-archived, out-of-date findings that have little to no value for future projects. And, not only is supply chain simulation expertise in short supply, it can also come with a high price tag for those that do not embrace a culture of learning through simulation. Well-executed simulations result in invaluable evidence-based artifacts that can reused and regenerated during later project phases, or for entirely new endeavors – yielding the highest return on investment for those that embrace the benefits of skillfully implemented, archived simulations.
How are the Center's Simulations Different?
The Center has strategically partnered with these companies to make the most out of simulation for the study of internal and external product movement, assets, people and finances:
Simul8 provides the simulation software, expert advice and connections to others that are doing similar work. They also bring to our Studies skilled specialists to help manage process improvements and operations research.
Gordian Knot Analytics Group opens the door for deeper, more advanced statistics-based analysis methods and proprietary algorithms to be applied to generated Study metrics and data. Their unique approach also assists the Center in producing new and innovative ways of understanding opportunities and processing the vast amounts of data produced in a simulation run.
RC Partners LLC lends its patent-pending processes to the Center in an effort to broaden its use of base simulation software in order to produce new and innovative information, processes and funds flow to Studies. RC also grants the Center use of its standard method of managing simulation artifacts during and after a Study, resulting in a clear definition of the procedures necessary to convert a basic simulation into a ReferenceModel.
Why are these partners important to Studies?
It’s our unique PROCESS of building a ReferenceModel that is so important Studies. In an effort to compare and contrast findings, our Center Study Team Facilitators, Simulation Specialists, Analytics Experts and Model Developers assist each Study Team to quickly build variations on the business processes and scenarios of the Study.
How are ReferenceModels Used after a Study?
At the completion of a Study, all ReferenceModels are published on the Center’s website in the Library section so that others can execute the models with their own starting data (input parameters). ReferenceModels and their components are archived for reuse by subsequent Studies.
Additionally, even after a Study is finalized, a ReferenceModel can be re-run with different input and data parameters to test new variations.
We hope this has been helpful. If you still have additional questions,
please feel free to contact us.