Output from Simulation Runs

Abstract

Computer simulation models are mainly developed to emulate actual systems that are too complex to analyze mathematically. The systems often fall into the terminating or the nonterminating type. The chapter describes how output data is collected for either type of system. Terminating systems have a defined beginning and ending event, and nonterminating systems include a combination of transient, equilibrium and cyclical stages. The output data from these systems are needed subsequently to statistically analyze the performance of the system that is under study. Another simulation model presented is one that creates the database to be used as test data for software applications like forecasting and inventory replenishments.