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5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.5.1 Overview of Multi-method Simulators
Different commercial simulation packages enable the development of hybrid or
combined models by allowing the combination of several simulation paradigms.
“With new advancements in […] simulation software supporting multi-paradigm
modeling it is becoming increasingly easier to create hybrid simulations consisting of combinations of DES, SD and ABS” [Ta2014, p. 2]. While some software
tools focus on one simulation paradigm but provide extension features for other
techniques, other software solutions include multi-method modeling by providing
all modeling paradigms in flexible, domain-specific libraries [DG2015, p. 1617].
MATLAB, Arena, ExtendSim and WITNESS Horizon are examples of software
solutions that can be extended by different tool boxes for combined modeling
while AnyLogic enables combined simulation by merging several models based
on different world views in an object-oriented environment [Ru2018, p. 38;
He2008, p. 50]. “AnyLogic naturally supports the interaction of stock and flow
structures with events, state charts, process flow charts, and agent populations.
AnyLogic Simulation engine is a hybrid engine designed for efficient and accurate simulation of continuous dynamics being interrupted by a large number of
discrete events” [Bo2013, p. 195].
MATLAB 4 is a simulation tool originally developed for continuous models
to solve problems via matrix-based programming language [An+2017, p. 69].
Extended with the MathWorks toolboxes Simulink and Stateflow, MATLAB can
be used for modeling, simulation and analysis of linear and non-linear systems
having a discrete or continuous time advance [AGA2016, p. 4].
Arena is a mainly discrete-event simulator by Rockwell Automation, which
offers additional toolsets to model and analyze discrete and continuous systems
based on the SIMAN simulation language [AGA2016, p. 4; Ba+2005, p. 110].
ExtendSim and Witness Horizon can also be considered as discrete simulators
with additional libraries for discrete, continuous and combined model generation. While Extend combines a block-building approach in combination with an
environment to develop new blocks [Ba+2005, p. 111], Witness Horizon offers
numerous elements for discrete part-manufacturing in combination with flow
elements to simulate fluids in processors, tanks and pipes [Ba+2005, p. 115].
4 MATLAB, developed by MathWorks, is the abbreviation for Matrix Laboratory, and as
the name already indicates, the strength of MATLAB are especially the vector and matrix
calculation [An+2017, p. 1].
5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.5.1 Overview of Multi-method Simulators
Different commercial simulation packages enable the development of hybrid or
combined models by allowing the combination of several simulation paradigms.
“With new advancements in […] simulation software supporting multi-paradigm
modeling it is becoming increasingly easier to create hybrid simulations consisting of combinations of DES, SD and ABS” [Ta2014, p. 2]. While some software
tools focus on one simulation paradigm but provide extension features for other
techniques, other software solutions include multi-method modeling by providing
all modeling paradigms in flexible, domain-specific libraries [DG2015, p. 1617].
MATLAB, Arena, ExtendSim and WITNESS Horizon are examples of software
solutions that can be extended by different tool boxes for combined modeling
while AnyLogic enables combined simulation by merging several models based
on different world views in an object-oriented environment [Ru2018, p. 38;
He2008, p. 50]. “AnyLogic naturally supports the interaction of stock and flow
structures with events, state charts, process flow charts, and agent populations.
AnyLogic Simulation engine is a hybrid engine designed for efficient and accurate simulation of continuous dynamics being interrupted by a large number of
discrete events” [Bo2013, p. 195].
MATLAB 4 is a simulation tool originally developed for continuous models
to solve problems via matrix-based programming language [An+2017, p. 69].
Extended with the MathWorks toolboxes Simulink and Stateflow, MATLAB can
be used for modeling, simulation and analysis of linear and non-linear systems
having a discrete or continuous time advance [AGA2016, p. 4].
Arena is a mainly discrete-event simulator by Rockwell Automation, which
offers additional toolsets to model and analyze discrete and continuous systems
based on the SIMAN simulation language [AGA2016, p. 4; Ba+2005, p. 110].
ExtendSim and Witness Horizon can also be considered as discrete simulators
with additional libraries for discrete, continuous and combined model generation. While Extend combines a block-building approach in combination with an
environment to develop new blocks [Ba+2005, p. 111], Witness Horizon offers
numerous elements for discrete part-manufacturing in combination with flow
elements to simulate fluids in processors, tanks and pipes [Ba+2005, p. 115].
4 MATLAB, developed by MathWorks, is the abbreviation for Matrix Laboratory, and as
the name already indicates, the strength of MATLAB are especially the vector and matrix
calculation [An+2017, p. 1].