Optimization performs experiments to find better ways to achieve the results you desire. Typically, most people use simulation tools to predict and improve system performance or to establish the relationships between various system elements. By modeling the actual facility or process, you can conduct what-if analyses to determine the best way to improve system performance—this is optimization.
What is SimRunner?
In ProcessModel, optimization is provided through the tool called SimRunner. With each optimization project, SimRunner runs sophisticated optimization algorithms on your model to help you optimize multiple factors simultaneously. Each project requires a validated model, a standard by which to measure system performance (an objective function), and a group of factors that SimRunner may change to improve system performance.
Benefits
Simulation allows you to find solutions to complex problems without incurring the tremendous costs associated with a trial and error approach. Optimization helps ensure that the solutions you implement are at or near their optimal values.
Unlike manual simulation experimentation which answers only specific what-if questions, SimRunner automatically seeks a course of action that will help optimize your entire system’s performance—essentially answering how to meet your objectives.
To help you present your findings, SimRunner allows you to output various types of reports:
• Data reports (for spreadsheets)
• Analysis reports (for text and word processing reports)
• Graphical reports (for charts and graphs)
You can print each of these reports or export them to other applications through common clipboard functions.