|
Custom Model Building
|
 |
| |
| Simulation Model Types |
|
Simulation models come in all sorts
of sizes, complexities and fidelities. It depends
on the size of the system modelled and the objectives
of the simulation. Nature of the decision support
required influences costs and time tremendously. Typically
there are three varieties and each has its own usefulness.
|
| |
| 1. Quick and Dirty Models |
|
Generally require a few days. May be just enough
to get a hang of the system. Meant for quick understanding
of the variables that affect the system. Sometimes
it may be just sufficient for a quick decision
|
| |
| 2. Standard Fidelity Model |
| This may require a few
weeks to build. Data quality of the input may not be
that high. Very often used for model based control of
operations on a routine basis. |
| |
| 3. High Fidelity Model |
| This kind of models very
often require several months to build. Many complex
systems do require more time even to understand, let
alone model it. Very often in cases of capacity planning
or investment justification, one would take all the
precautions and ensure absolutely correct data and domain
information gets incorporated into the simulation model.
Hence the decision support system that emerges out of
the model would enable right value adding decisions
to be made, knowing about good and bad scenarios as
well. |
| |
| Capacity to Deliver |
|
Extensive experience in over
last 40 years in management field and our work with
leading corporates, gives us the confidence to tackle
any model development in any field.
We had already delivered simulation
models and decision support systems in the fields
of manufacturing, chemical plants, shipping operations,
logistics, business reengineering, reliability engineering
etc and we have the capability to deliver solutions
in financial engineering as well. We are harnessing
the latest developments in Operations Research (OR)
techniques and simulation technology to solve the
problems. Our clients in simulation modelling include
Hewlett Packard India (BPO), Reliance Industries-
Refinery Port operations, L&T-E engineering solutions,
Honeywell Technology Solutions, Birla Kennametal,
and LucasTVS etc.
EA will investigate the system
"As Is" and "To be" and suggest
innovations or ideas to help improve efficiency and
costs. The solutions that emerge in this process will
help the clients add clarity by several notches, obtain
insights, improve the system, communicate effectively
the interaction of several variables that affect the
overall performance and finally add to their current
and future profits.
|
| |
| Custom Model Building-Engagement
Approach |
 |
| |
| The engagement is three step processes: |
| |
| 1. Requirements Determination |
| Although the system details
are known to the owners of the system, the modeller
has to understand precisely the nature of the processes
involved and complexity of the business rules that govern
the system. All the known and immediately available
data have to be gathered and additional data requirements
have to be determined. From the available data, a quick
and dirty prototype model is to be built to help clarify
all the critical system variables and possible interactions
and to determine a an estimate of the time to finish
the ultimate comprehensive model. At the end of this
process, a "Requirements Document" is developed
and handed over to the clients, which shall include
an approximate plan of action for further work and time
and cost estimates. This normally requires one or two
weeks or more depending on the system complexity. EA
can provide a quote for this preliminary engagement
and a general format of the requirements document. |
| |
| 2. Contracting |
| Based on this report,
the client will usually commission the final model building
project and sign a contract. |
| |
| 3. Model Building |
| The model building team
will be constituted and it will have people from both
sides and modelling process starts either at client's
site or at our office or both. It will be completed
as per requirements. |
|
|
| |
| Prebuilt Models
and Solutions |
| |
| 1. Workforce optimization in
the BPO industry. |
| This model includes meta
models for individual departments and evolutionary optimization
using genetic algorithms like tools, since every simulation
model is non linear. In one work force reduction happened
to be nearly 40%. This uses Discrete Event and Discrete
Rate simulation methodologies. |
| |
| 2. Detergent Manufacturing Plant
Model |
| This is built for Capacity
Planning purposes so that the throughput of the plant
with all its down times due to breakdowns and preventive
maintenance can be properly assessed and line balancing
can be achieved. Financial viability can be established.
Discrete Rate simulation is the key. |
| |
| 3. Call Center Workforce optimization |
| It is based on actual
data from a call center operating abroad and fine tuned
to optimize various operating policies. It helps to
optimize work force to deliver service levels guaranteed. |
| |
| 4. Continuous Process Lube Oil
Plant |
| Some refineries have lube
oil processing plant attached to it to handle some of
their streams. Its operation had been enhanced by dynamic
scheduling without any human intervention improving
the throughput while fulfilling the orders. Discrete
Rate modelling technique had tremendous flexibility
in providing schedules taking into account all constraints.
Result is that optimization is automatic. Linking this
scheduling tool to your DCS needs to be customized.
This tool gives precise dates as to when your loading
tankers can be scheduled. |
| |
| 5. Jetty Manager |
| This is used for dynamic
scheduling of unloading and loading of vessels for refinery
inputs and outputs of various grades. Every conceivable
constraint is incorporated and more can be added if
needed. This uses advanced concepts like dynamic scheduling
and approximate dynamic programming with optimization.
The benefit of this simulation based scheduling approach
is the tremendous flexibility and optimization while
competing techniques provide limited flexibility and
no optimization. This can directly translate into profits
by utilizing the facilities to the maximum and avoid
perhaps new investments for additional capacity. This
is perhaps innovation at its best. |
| |
| 6. Capacity Planning for Docks |
| Considering uncertainty
of arrival of vessels and considerable variability of
facilities required to load and discharge the vessels,
one can easily perceive the demand for additional capacity
in the dock requiring more jetties, SPMs and pipelines
or other support facilities. Simulation based capacity
planning tools can only fathom the uncertainties and
variabilities adequately in this regard, since too many
constraints and uncertainties come into play. This simulation
based solution optimizes the resources for meeting certain
level of service to the visiting vessels and to minimize
demurrage and to improve the turnaround time. Since
such facilities are very expensive to create, it would
be prudent to invest in this kind of simulation model
to study and enhance the feasibility of such projects. |
|
|
| |
| Ready Prototype
Models |
|
We have a few hundred simulation models in our model
warehouse, in several domains that can be readily
used to understand in a preliminary way, the factors
involved. It might give you pointer if an extensive
and high fidelity model is required to help arrive
at proper decisions. This is like a small window into
your decision problem, while a full fledged model
opens the entire door to evaluate alternative approaches.
In order to help the other modellers and potential
decision makers, we offer them almost free of cost.
Only the handling cost of Rs 1000 for Indian clients
and USD 100 for all other clients will be levied.
Kindly write to us briefly about decision problem
so that we can advise on its availability and mode
of payment. This offer is purely based on "helping
hand" approach and "as is" basis. Our
considered view is that it might get you a handle
or exposure quickly in your tough decision making
problem on hand, thereby quickening entire process
of analysis. We might even fine tune it to meet your
needs immediately. However if it entails considerable
work, we will have to negotiate total costs to service
your request.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
