What is Discrete-Event Simulation Modeling?
Most business processes can be described as a sequence of separate discrete events. For example, a truck arrives at a warehouse, goes to an unloading gate, unloads, and then departs. To simulate this, discrete-event simulation is often chosen.
Using discrete-event simulation modeling, the movement of a train from point A to point B is modeled with two events, namely a departure and an arrival. The actual movement of the train would be modeled as a time delay between the departure and arrival events. These events and movement between them can be smoothly animated.
Discrete-event simulation focuses on the processes in a system at a medium level of abstraction. Typically, specific physical details, such as car geometry or train acceleration, are not represented. Discrete-event simulation modeling is widely used in the manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare fields.
In our white paper, Multimethod Simulation Modeling for Business Applications, we investigate three main simulation modeling approaches: discrete-event, agent-based, and system dynamics modeling, and construct a multimethod model example to illustrate the advantages of combining different methods. Read the white paper and see why hybrid models are always a better choice!
