Simio

Dalton's Simio Review

장점:

I like having the ability to rapidly model quick systems, but also having the ability to add in any level of complexity.

단점:

i least like the inability to view logs over multiple simulations to track information like buffer queues over time.

Simulating with the Analyst in Mind

주석: It is very easy when building simulation models to focus on the visuals and forget the analysis. After all, we need to convince the stakeholders that the solution we propose will deliver what it says on the tin and what better way than to mesmerise them with animation. Actually, there is another way, demonstrate that all scenarios have been considered and with an inflated chest lay down the challenge, "tell me where I have gone wrong and I'll tell you what data I need to determine whether its fact or fiction". Simio like most major simulation engines allows 3D visualisation and what is nice is a simple press of the '2' and '3' keys smoothly transitions you from 2D to 3D respectively. Add Google Warehouse and importing 3DSMax files and decent visuals can be shown. Developers please add STP or IGES file format. This simulation engine seems to have been developed with not only the ability to quickly model with little to no code writing experience, but also empowers one to devise and quickly run scenarios that can answer the real questions and find those sensitive areas/ optimal solutions. The start of any simulation project should start with the agreed conceptual model. This boils down to possible resources and a general set of inputs that trigger delays and produce outputs. Simio supports this basic concept in its standard library of objects. The object orientated approach means that these basic objects can be modified by adding more detailed lower level processes or modifying original logic. Of course the model is an object that can be imported into another model. Gaining model acceptance is generally easier with collaboration, so showing the team their input has been incorporated in a way that resembles the conceptual model goes a long way. The power of discrete event simulation is its ability to handle random events. Simio has the standard list of distributions which using a form of intellitype is easy to define. Note to developers, it would be great if intellitype is available in all fields. Of course with distributions come replications, which using the Experiments function allow the analyst to create and execute scenarios using different user defined input parameters and compare results based on user defined KPIs. But Simio has another trick up its sleeve, using the Input Parameters tab and defining the distributions with the sample size, provides a neat way to analyse the impact the distribution has on specific result parameters.

장점:

Standard Library - Object Orientated approach to modelling means models can become objects in other models. Copy and Paste - Processes data, functions etc can be copied between models. Key Felds Data can be created like a database i.e. enter once use multiple times. External Data - Supports links with external data files such as CSV or excel. Easy Scenario Creation - Experiment function allows easy creation of multiple experiments and comparison of results.

STEEP learning curve

장점:

The visualizations in this software are out of this world, some of the best I've seen.

단점:

The learning curve on this software is steep, very steep.

Simio Software and Risk-based Planning and Scheduling (RSP)

주석: Deciding which type of simulation software for a business to purchase can be an extremely difficult decision. Being faced with this decision we began to investigate and compare simulation software packages available on the market. After comparison, Simio was the clear choice for our business. Although most simulation software packages are extremely difficult and confusing to learn, Simio's many resources make learning and mastering the software easy. Most noteworthy is the video tutorials provided which made the transition to Simio painless. Ultimately the decision to choose Simio was made based on the functionality of the software and the ability to accurately and quickly model real world systems for the purposes of finding solutions. Simio's 3D modeling abilities are unmatched by any other software packages available. Simio is quick and easy in the 3D department and compared to others is much less time consuming for similar 3D animations. With that said, the 3D modeling is generally a non-value added task and we were more focused on the software's modeling abilities. Simio's add-in packages operate flawlessly with OptQuest being the one we utilize the most. The customer support at Simio is outstanding too. I reached out to Simio when modeling a complex transit system this past year and they were able to identify my error and provided a fix the same day. We recently decided to expand our abilities with the usage of Simio's Risk-based Planning and Scheduling. After watching roughly 11 videos about 10 minutes each, Simio's RPS was easily incorporated into a previous manufacturing process project. Adapting the previous project slightly was straightforward and surprisingly resulted in the RPS being setup almost automatically. The ability to incorporate the complexities of variation into the RPS is what makes this such an advantageous tool and also what separates it from others. Simio also offers an add-in package for the RPS, Wonderware MES which provides the real-time production data. Generating plans, evaluating risk, performing comparisons, and many other functions are available through Simio's RPS and we look forward to providing this to our clients. We give Simio our highest recommendation.

Employing Simio to size offshore vessel fleet (e.g. forecast charters) and to schedule shipments

주석: Company spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year moving equipment and supplies to offshore drilling units and producing assets. We use Simio to determine optimal vessel fleet size and develop 10 days shipment schedules daily. Tool works well and has enabled us to reduce our fleet size considerably.

장점:

Handles highly complex simulations--we model 25+ slips, 30 vessels, 25 offshore locations, and more than 30 different types of demand product types such as barite, cement, casing, and baskets. Scheduler optimizes schedule based on lowest tangible and intangible costs and considers weather forecast, crew change schedules, and tank cleaning.

단점:

Simulation is written in a graphical programming language which is great for small, quick designs, but gets cumbersome to navigate in very large and complex simulations.

Best simulation software

장점:

The user interface is one of the best in the market. It´s always improving and they have an amazing team for support. They have helped me several times with questions that I had. Most of the time they answer the same day. What I like the most is their policy towards education, particularly higher education. They provide all kind of help: documentation, demos, videos, books, blog, etc. The "3D Warehouse" that connects automatically is free and very complete for improving your existing model. The Simbits are the best tool for learning the software and for fast reference about doing something particular. I recommend any user to check anytime those Simbits.

단점:

I recently started to use Dashboards. However, there is not much info about how to use it and develop it. Anyway, this is a minor detail.

Simulation using Simio

주석: My overall experience with Simio was fantastic. I could build my model, do experiments to test it and conduct analysis to identify any best operating model that satisfies my design specs.

장점:

I can build a simple model as early as possible and visualize how it will operate from entity arrivals into the system to the exit point. After evaluating my model from visualization, I can modify it as I go to add additional complex modes of operation. I like that I can see the movement of entities and the structure layout of the simio object library. It's simple to drag and drop the objects and model as you go.

단점:

One limit I did not like about simio or perhaps I am not sure how to implement such operation in Simio, is the lack of a feature to scan in real-time whether the traveling path is occupied and if so, I would have to pause the up coming entities from transferring to path until the path is free.

A pleasure to use this instinctive yet comprehensive approach to simulation of complex systems.

주석: We replaced previous simulation software that was used for research and teaching. The overall performance is wonderful.

장점:

The ease of use and of parametrization of elements. In honest comparison with other software of similar capability, the elements parameter are incredibly easy to access and to modify. The simulations themselves seem to have been otpimized in comparison to similar software on the market, as the computing time for similar task is quite reduced.

단점:

The documentation of the software might need improvement, as it tends to be sometimes complicated to obtain specific information on specific matter. The recommended books and written tutorials are not always sufficient for the variety of simulaiton work that one may encounter

Great value and support

주석: Simulation of workflow processes.

장점:

Users have been very satisfied with the ease of use and setup process. After a downturn we needed to get users back on and the sales team made it very simple to onboard our users.

단점:

At the moment we are ramping back up from a downturn. Since this is a niche product, finding other applications for current licenses has been a challenge.

Distribution Centres in Clothing Retail Industry

주석: We've been able to compare projects and their impacts on our distribution centres.

장점:

It's very visual and this makes it much easier to convince stakeholders of solutions shown with Simio. The software also helps us with decision making.

단점:

It's not always obvious how the software works, so training and good online resources are definitely necessary. Luckily Simio does provide these, you just need to take the time to sit and play around with the software.

Best simulation software i ever tried

주석: I was using Arena for 5 years until we got to know SImio. It was a breakthrough. We started using it and never stopped after that, in the university and in our consulting firm.

장점:

Ease of use

Industrial Engineering Professor

주석: SIMIO is amazing simulation Software Tool. It helps student performing their projects easily and proficiently

Probably best in class simulation software

장점:

Relatively easy to learn and to use. Has great flexibility for almost any simulation application. Integrates well with data bases and can be readily extended for specific applications.

단점:

Sometimes its hard to keep up with the latest development, due to frequent updates and development. The development version cycle is about six weeks, so updates and new features come out frequently.

SimBit is good

주석: We purchased 2 licenses. The SimBit is really good, an excellent tool for quick start. The introduction is really good. The concept of token need to be more emphasized in the guid

장점:

No coding characteristic

단점:

Price

Simio has a number of great features for advanced modeling. Support is exceptional

장점:

Advanced modeling constructs. Exceptional support. Regularly adds new features. Great user support group.

단점:

Need a Mac and Linux version. Would be great to have programming interface with R and python. Simio when deployed in a virtual environment is very sluggish (at least the set up in our university).

I have been developing an online simulation course

장점:

easy to learn and very modular, which means you can do most things without hassling with the menus,etc. process logic is also a huge plus, which prevents you from coding but simply building process steps to model things that you cant do with default menus.

단점:

The software support is great but the search menu could be advanced to find what you need exactly...

SIMIO and Manufacturing

주석: SIMIO's ease of use allows it to schedule and define production areas, programs and operations.

장점:

Easy of Use, complex ability in a user friendly configuration.

단점:

Large programs can slow down the system. Recovery is immediate afterwards.

SIMIO in higher education

주석: I use SIMIO for support of my teaching for more than five years. My classes are for business and IT students, so my evaluation is based on both users' and administrators' aspects of this software.

Excellent but I spend a lot of time trying to model my specifics.

주석: Very easy to use

장점:

The amount of documentation is very good. The one prepared by SIMIO is excellent. It is very easy to use.

단점:

If I have a specific doubt, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to solve it. I need a very good computer to run smoothly.

Intuitive and Challenging learning

장점:

I have a good amount of experience with Arena and I can see how faster it can be with Simio to accomplish the same thing, especially the animation. I also appreciate the agent-based modeling with the token concept.

단점:

I find there is a lack of documentation in general. I have not found good documentation on functions and applications. Simbit is limited and examples are sometimes too complex. I have not found a description of functions and different utilization example. I would have liked to see a description of all functionalities of a server for example. There are so many users that come from Arena, I would have expected to see documentation to address the differences and suggest best practices to approach modeling.

Great tool that is easy to use for many applications

장점:

Very easy to get started and model most simulation-related processes quickly. Users like the customizable entities and integration of downloadable 3D models to make the visualization very realistic.

단점:

Data import of large data sets with many different attributes is limited by the current interface. Customizing entity flow is only possible to some extent.

Architecture combined with technology made more amazing!

장점:

Simio is a tool made for architectural plans to turn to a 3D moving draft by the use of our modern technology. It has the same concept and design as a microsoft office software so its more familiar to the user which makes it easier to navigate. And unlike other draft making softwares, Simio can start with already made templates or even from an actual image and move on from there.

단점:

Keyboard shortcuts might be really useful, but Simio offers very little of it. But in general, the most frequently utilized tools have keyboard shortcuts like turning from 2D to 3D etc, which can be very helpful for the users.

The fastest simulation software so far

주석: Great at user friendlyness and its functions are very easy to use. I prefer its usefulness to that of ARENA and other software that works with simulation.

장점:

Its easy to understand and navigate through the different options.

단점:

Its graphics are not totally high definition, it could improve.

First time Simio User, long term simulation user

주석: I've been using Simio for about 2 months now and am very happy with the software to date. The product takes a little longer to learn than some of the other packages I have used in the past, however this seems to be related to the fact that there is a lot of content and options, specifically the combination of process and object environment. This combination, when used correctly has the opportunity to help develop large models quickly. Model execution speed and automated results collection and scenario managers also excellent.

Easy to learn and use, for professionals and students.

장점:

Easy to learn how to use it. Covers almost any need for an undergraduate course or project. Cost less than other software that have almost the same performance. Fast customer support.

단점:

Official SIMIO Tutorials are not updated and limited. I guess It's because courses are sold too, but the basic modeling should be available in several languages. Image/symbol importing not the best thing: Many images, but many no suited for insert in the models considering shape and size. It could have more specialized libraries.