Simulation Software Survey

The information in the survey was provided by the vendors in response to a questionnaire developed by James Swain. The survey should not be considered as comprehensive, but rather as a representation of available simulation packages.

Questionnaires were sent to simulation vendors drawn from previous survey participants, the OR/MS Today database and other sources. It includes the products of those vendors who responded by the deadline. If you know of a simulation package that is not in this survey, please contact Patton McGinley at (770) 431-0867, ext. 214 or e-mail [email protected]. It will be included in an online version.

Be sure to read the accompanying article

UPDATE 10/23/17: Added SimVoi from TreePlan Software

The survey is divided into 8 separate pages. Following is an index of the pages and the information they contain:

Page 1

  • Vendors
  • Typical Applications of the software
  • Primary Markets for which the software is applied

Page 2

  • Operating Systems
  • Can the software use a multiprocessor CPU if available?
  • Can the software utilize other software to perform specialized functions?
  • If so, name which software:

Page 3

  • Can the software be controlled or run by an external program?
  • If so, name which software:
  • Can the software be customized by user using model primitives or programming languages?
  • Does the software provide the ability to monitor how the CPU cycles are used during execution of a model?

Page 4

  • Model Building: Graphical model construction (icon or drag-and-drop), Model building using programming/ access to programmed modules, Run time debug

Page 5

  • Model Building (continued): Input Distribution Fitting (Specify), Output Analysis Support (Specify), Batch run or experimental design (Specify)

Page 6

  • Model Building (continued): Optimization (Specify), Code reuse (e.g., objects, templates), Model Packaging (e.g., can completed model be shared with others who might lack the software to develop their own model?), Tools to support packaging (Specify), Does this feature cost extra? 

Page 7

  • Model Building (continued): Cost Allocation/Costing, Mixed Discrete/Continuous Modeling (Levels, Flows, etc.)
  • Animation: Animation, Real-time viewing, Export animation (e.g., MPEG version that can run independent of simulation for presentation), Compatible animation software, 3D Animation, Import CAD drawings

Page 8

  • Support/Training: User Support/Hotline, User group or discussion area, Training Courses, On site Training, Consulting Available
  • Price: Standard, Student Version 

Page 9

  • Major new features (since 2015)
  • Vendor Comments

Vendor List

  • Software vendor contact information

The survey appeared in the October 2017 issue of OR/MS Today. To order a copy of this issue, contact Customer Service at 770-431-0867, ext. 224 or send e-mail to: [email protected].