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In this blog post, Dr. Ben Schumann, a simulation consultant with more than 15 years of experience, discusses the importance of testing simulation models. He emphasizes the need for efficient and structured testing methods beyond traditional practices and introduces "The Magic Ingredient," a dedicated function for creating a repeatable and structured approach to unit testing. Learn more about his insights now.

At the beginning of 2015 we were proud to release a free version of the software called PLE, or Personal Learning Edition meant for learning, teaching, and self-study. Since the release, we have been extremely impressed with not only the increase in the number of users but the complex projects produced with the free version. Our latest discovery is from Mihir Paithane, a student in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program at Mills E. Godwin High School in Richmond, Va. Mihir built a model to analyze the “Effect of Cellular Interactions on Cancer Cell Growth Using Evolutionary Game Theory.” In this experiment, game theory was used to assess the interactions between three cell phenotypes usually found in cancer. The three defined cells were autonomous growth cells, invasive and motile malignant cells, and cells that performed anaerobic glycolysis. Based on preset variables in the payoff matrix, analytical equations were deduced that allowed for the analysis of the proportion of autonomous growth and malignant cells in a tumor. AnyLogic was also used to simulate the interactions between cancerous and healthy cells.

The largest public mental health facility in the United States is not a hospital; it is the Los Angeles County Jail. A Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill (SPMI) patient generally defines someone with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder, and this group constitutes about 1.7% of the US population. To better understand the condition and possible improvements, IBM Global Research and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals used an agent-based approach to model the SPMI living situations over the second half of the 20th century. Kyle Johnson, Managing Consultant with IBM Global Business Services presented this project at the 2014 AnyLogic Conference. He works within the Advanced Analytics and Optimization branch of IBM BAO.

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The fourth annual AnyLogic Conference will continue to prove the power of collaboration, not only with the AnyLogic team, but other experienced model developers. Don't miss the opportunity to see how AnyLogic is being applied across multiple industries, experience innovative ideas and expand your vision of AnyLogic software. For your convenience, the two day event falls directly after the INFORMS Annual Meeting. INFORMS attendees should plan to stay...

The AnyLogic 7 Training course is fast-paced, full of content and worth every second of face-to-face instruction and networking. The course spans from model theory discussion and hands-on exercises, to Java code writing and building your own simulation models. What our attendees are saying: “AnyLogic 7 training was very informative and the intensive format was conducive to gaining knowledge rapidly, with no outside distractions from other work related activities.” “Training was really interesting and open your mind to possibilities.” “Most valuable aspect of the training is the instructor's assistance and guidance outside of the regular lecture and hands on activities. Networking with the other students, as well.”

This short tutorial shows how to build a simulation model based on a real-world problem description, using an example of a simple warehouse unloading process model. Also, it teaches to set animation and choose what-if scenarios to test. The AnyLogic User Support Team created the tutorial. The model simulates the arrival of trucks with two types of cartons to a warehouse. Workers unload the cartons, which then move on conveyors to the pallet stacking zone. After palletizing, the goods are moved by forklift trucks to the storage zone. Download the tutorial and accompanying material via our website.

Ben Schumann is a senior modeler at decisionLab, a company in the UK which designs and builds custom models and decision-support tools that help their clients to make evidence-based strategic, tactical and operational decisions. Ben, a significantly experienced AnyLogic user, works with diverse clients such as the MoD, Rolls-Royce or GSK. He handles project delivery from start to end, managing team members, and client communication. Ben Schumann holds a Ph.D. in Complex Systems Simulation and developed an advanced aerospace design simulation model for the early design phase. It was applied for designing several real unmanned aircraft (the first 3D-printed aircraft on the planet, see New Scientist: http://bit.ly/1D3UDSK). Ben enjoyed a thorough training in simulation modelling thanks to his Grad School on Complex Systems Simulation.

Thank you for registering and attending the AnyLogic "Multimethod Modeling with a Customer Satisfaction Scenario" webinar on August 13th. We hope the webinar was interesting to you and met your expectations. For your convenience, the recorded webinar is available on the Educational Videos page of AnyLogic.com. The goal of AnyLogic and your webinar moderator, Arash Mahdavi, Simulation & Modeling Consultant at AnyLogic North America was to expand your knowledge of AnyLogic capabilities, functions and features. Please share your thoughts by completing this short survey. View Recorded Webinar:

The AnyLogic Conference offers a variety of presentations from globally recognized organizations using AnyLogic simulation and modeling technology for better, more profitable decision making. It is an annual meeting place for users and prospective users of AnyLogic simulation and modeling software. In addition, the Conference offers a networking opportunity with like-minded, innovative AnyLogic users. For your convenience, the two-day event falls directly after the INFORMS Annual Meeting, November 4th and 5th in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Program highlights: Elizabeth Tyrie, Manager of Data Science, Fruit of the Loom and her team members will be presenting a supply chain optimization project complete with manufacturing, distribution centers, transportation, and customer components. The Fruit of the Loom Data Science Team were able to provide recommendations on how to optimize product distribution that could save one of the company’s apparel categories an estimated 20% of shipping costs. Bipin Chada, Ph.D., Data Scientist from the Enterprise Analytics Office at USAA will present several models his team has developed that are being used by senior executives to make strategic and operational decisions. The Presentation will conclude with some guidance on how organizations can employ modeling to unlock the business value of their investments.

The benefits of multimethod modeling take center stage as we build a Customer Satisfaction Model, which includes, service interruptions, downtime, and processing time. Also built into the model are varying levels of customer satisfaction based on performance and word of mouth factors. Join us for the “Multimethod Modeling with a Customer Satisfaction Scenario” Webinar August 13th at 12 Noon CST for a comprehensive “how-to” build multimethod modeling with true problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. Webinar Objectives: