Just as I began to assemble the information for this blog, the AnyLogic website registered an all time high for monthly visitors, a statistic that I hope, in some way, reflects the ongoing appeal of the content we host.
The blog is an active part of the site and helps us share some of the most varied and specialized content relating to AnyLogic. Now, at the end of 2018, the numbers are in and these are the top 5 most popular blog posts of the year. Plus a few notable mentions. Take a look! What are your favorites? Did you miss any?
5. Decentralizing a delivery network
Jesús Madrid Varela and Christian Moller Corral developed a model that proved popular around the world. The post describes the efficiencies that can be realized from decentralizing a wholesaler’s delivery network. It is a great example of how simulation enables development and helps inform decision making. With a demonstration cloud model, presentation slides, and illustrations, it makes for good read on the popular topic of supply chains. Read more.
4. AnyLogic 8.3 — a major minor release
Amy Greer, of MOSIMTEC, declared AnyLogic 8.3 a major minor release and sparked interest on our LinkedIn user group. Developing the thread into an article, Amy took a look at the changes that made AnyLogic 8.3 a major minor release.
The popular post followed the online discussion, pointing out some drawbacks as well the strong points. AnyLogic 8.3 is the current stable version and heralded the introduction of the Material Handling Library. Amy’s post looks at the library, but not before another change that caused some concern. Finally, she reveals some hidden features. Have you found any more?
3. A simulated city – learning by example
In February, Dr. ir. Gonçalo Homem de Almeida Correia, of TU Delft, introduced an agent-based model city to demonstrate the complex challenge of modeling land use and transportation in an urban environment. It is an enlightening educational tool that has proven consistently popular throughout the year. It is best to try it out for yourself – the cloud version is embedded in the illustrated post that introduces the model and an associated paper.
2. White paper: How to create a digital twin
Gartner have consistently featured digital twins as a significant technology trend for this year and next. From what we have seen, there is certainly a lot of interest in the topic.
To better understand digital twins, their possibilities, and their relation to simulation modeling, we published a white paper, and the blog to introduce it proved immediately popular.
1. Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Simulation Modeling
At the beginning of 2018 we looked at the combination of machine learning with simulation. In particular, we focused on a PwC presentation that Lyle Wallis had given at the Winter Simulation Conference, and also a few examples around it. It proved extremely popular.
In the blog you can find out how the Artificial Intelligence Accelerator at PwC is creating a new generation of simulation models to better reflect the pervasive adoption of AI across business and society. If you missed it the first time or want to refresh on the three ways AI and simulation can integrate, take a look at our most popular blog of the year!
So, there you have it! The most popular AnyLogic blog posts of 2018, as measured by traffic in the month following publication. Different viewpoints tell different stories and we had to choose one. Certainly the how-to posts prove consistently popular, and if you haven’t explored the material handling library yet, check out these interactive guides to conveyors and transporters (AGV).
⭐ What was your favorite AnyLogic blog post of 2018? Give it a shout out and tell us in the comments below! Alternatively, let us know what you’d like to see in 2019! If you haven't yet done so, subscribe to the monthly newsletter, and never miss a blog!
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