SIMUL8 2009 : New Display Features

This newsletter is part of a series that we are running over the next few weeks on the New SIMUL8 2009 Features. We are going to look at a number of these features in detail, including the New Display and Results Features, the Scenario Comparison Feature and Visual Logic Libraries. The newsletter below focuses on the New Display Features that are available.  

SIMUL8 2009 Customer Webinar

You can view the 2009 Features that will be discussed in these newsletters at our next Customer Webinar Session. This is scheduled for 8th April 2009 at 11am Eastern (4pm UK Time).  If you would like to attend please register here.

Data Grids

The New Data Grids feature provides a very powerful method of displaying inputs and outputs for your simulation directly on screen. One of the key benefits of this feature is that you can actually watch the values in your data grid update during simulation run time.  

The data that you choose to incorporate is displayed in a table format that can be edited and formatted to suit your needs. Data Grids are accessible from the graphics toolbar at the bottom of the simulation window.

Within the Data Grid dialog there are 4 different tabs. The first three tabs allow you to enter your preferences relating to Design, Layout and Content. The Design Tab allows you to set up the look of your grid including Borders, Shading, Font Size and Styling.

There are also predefined table templates that you can choose from, or you can create your own. In the Layout Tab you can set the size of your grid (including columns, rows, height, width etc) and set your alignment preference for the contents.

Within the Content Tab you can get direct access to the Expression Editor which means you can include any data that is available in your simulation including all results in simulation objects and the information store.

The Preview Tab then lets you see how the preferences that you have chosen will look in your simulation.




Image Variable Lists

Image Variable Lists help you create exciting animated simulations quickly and easily. They make it easy to change the images used in your simulation based on what is happening during simulation run time.

You basically store a series of images in a list and assign them numerical values that can be used in global variables. You can have multiple lists that you can assign to any number of variables. SIMUL8 then uses the lists to change images automatically as the variable value changes during simulation run time.

The Image list can be used in all simulation objects, components, sub-windows and onscreen images. In the example below, the Image List is being used to change the work center image based on the type of document that is being processed at that point in the simulation run time. Another example of how you could use them is maybe to highlight work center states (i.e. using a different image for when a work center is working, stopped, blocked or waiting), or you might want to use a series of images to highlight work in progress levels and therefore convey how the process is coping in terms of service level targets. The list is endless.




Data Bars

Data Bars allow you to represent the value of a simulation variable on screen. These give an animated display of how a variable’s value is changing over simulation run time. Access to Data Bars is also from the graphics toolbar at the bottom of the simulation window.

In the simulation example below, we have chosen to use data bars to show the contents of the queues for the various processes as the simulation runs.

• The Quick Launch Pad: An area where you can create mini interfaces with buttons and text

• Magnifying Glass: Allows you to focus in on specific areas in complex simulations.

• Display + Improves: Ruler and Color Picker to help set up your Display+ quickly

• Sub-Window Improves: Better Animation and Editing Control

If you have any questions on any of the features discussed above then please contact our Simulation Advisors. For further details on SIMUL8 2009 in general, please see our Feature Tour. To upgrade your SIMUL8 software to SIMUL8 2009 go to our online shop.

Please note: This Newsletter is part of a Series. Subsequent newsletters will focus on additional SIMUL8 2009 features.
These will include the New Results Features, the Scenario Comparison Feature and Visual Logic Libraries.