Decision Support Interface Demonstration Model

Download Decision Support Interface Model and Database: DecisionSupport.zip

What is it?
The Decision Support Interface is a new feature made available in SIMPROCESS. It helps decision makers/managers take decisions without having to indulge in model building and posses any prior knowledge of simulation. All they have to do is alter some of the model inputs like number of machines, cost per machine, number of QA personnel, etc and click on the "Run SIMPROCESS Model" button. The model simulates and key results like "Turnaround Time" and "Total Cost" are reported. This gives the decision maker/manager insight of their current/future operational performance. By experimenting with different scenarios a trade-off analysis can be performed and the decision maker/manager can choose from an alternative that best fits the budget.

When to use it?
Ideal for a decision maker/manager to:

• Perform trade-off analysis
• Run multiple scenarios and take a decision based on quantitative measures
• Get quick insight on the performance of the current/future system

How to use it?

• Store the SimprocDemoDB in the Program Files/SIMPROCESS/SPUSER directory and the Demo3.spm model in the Program Files/SIMPROCESS/models directory
• Open up properties of the ODBC Data Source Administrator by selecting Start/Settings/Control Panel/Administrative Tools
• Create a new data source by clicking on the "Add" button
• Select Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb) and click on the "Finish" button
• The Data Source Name field should be named Demo
• Click on Database:Select and browse to the SimprocDemoDB located in your SPUSER directory. Highlight this file
• Close out by clicking on "OK" three times. This will establish the connection
• Open the Demo3.spm model using SIMPROCESS
• Close down the SIMPROCESS application
• Double click on the SimprocDemoDB located in the SPUSER directory (you may want to create a short cut on the desktop)
• Right-mouse click anywhere on the "Run Model" workspace and select "Form Design"
• Scroll down and right-mouse click on the "Run SIMPROCESS Model" button
• Select Properties/Event/On Click
• Click on the ellipses button
• Start from the beginning of the code and change your path name. It should say Program Files\SIMPROCESS x.x\ (whatever name was given to the installation directory i.e., SIMPROCESS, SIMPROCESS 4.0, etc.)
• Make this change thrice across the top and once in the middle (about 15 lines from the top)
• Click Microsoft Visual Basic saving changes
• Click on the "View" button located on the task bar (first button from the left)
• Close MS Access saving changes
• Reopen MS Access
• Assign values to the number/cost of Polishing Machines and QA Shifts
• Click on "Run SIMPROCESS Model" and await results
• Run multiple scenarios and compare based on available budget and "Turnaround Time" requirements