SIMUL8 2009 : Getting more from your Simulation Results

This newsletter is part of a series that we are running over the next few weeks on SIMUL8 2009 Features. Our previous issue looked at the New Display Features, this one focuses on results.

The improved results features in 2009 can save users valuable time during the model building stage. Some of the benefits that can be achieved include:

• Faster access to and editing of simulation results.
• Additional ways to create more sophisticated looking results displays.
• Improved financial reporting that enables better control of costs.
• Scenario comparison feature which makes it easier to choose the optimal solution.
• A better understanding of simulation dynamics through on screen results that update during run time.

Enhanced Results Manager

Our Results Manager has been improved to give access to even more simulation results in one central area.

Customer Feedback
SIMUL8 2009

“I’m very impressed with the outstanding changes you have introduced in the software. Congratulations for the clear show.”

"Just wanted to say that I absolutely love the data grids – it makes it so much easier and faster to get data nicely presented on the screen!

And the data bars add a nice slick touch as well. Love it! "

"I was "Wow'd" by the new features"

The ‘Custom Reports’ section has been vastly improved. This now includes the following features:

• Data Grids – A fantastic new feature for displaying simulation inputs and outputs on screen.
• Filter controls to sort your Custom Reports by name, order created and type.
• Improved shape palette with additional New Shapes to choose from to include in your reports.
• Snap to Grid options to aid positioning of objects in your reports.
• Additional formatting capabilities including select, cut, copy, move & paste.
• The ability to store multiple copy points rather than just the last one created to build mini templates.
• Alignment controls, print preview and print options.

The ‘All Object Results’ section has also been improved and now includes charts and summary reports for every result by every object type in your simulation. There is also a report filter which makes it easier to tailor the results to your needs, as it allows you to add or subtract results from this area.

On Screen Charts

The new on screen charts give users additional flexibility over how to display data. Both visual and numerical results data can now be displayed on one screen. This can help users grasp a better understanding of what is happening in the simulation much quicker.

Simulation charts can now be displayed directly on screen and inside sub windows rather than in floating windows.
The charts get updated throughout the simulation run giving users access to critical visual results during run time.

Charts can also be overlapped and resized to suit. Double clicking on these will take you directly to the chart properties dialog where you can access formatting and editing capabilities. 

Financial Reporting

SIMUL8's financial reporting capabilities have been updated and improved to give users additional options to better monitor & control costs relating to their processes.

• Financial costs and revenue information is included in every simulation object by default now.
• Financial information is also available at the end of a simulation run or during the run via the Quick Launch Panel.
• Profit and Loss Reports have drill down functionality to show the breakdown of total costs and revenue streams.
• There is now the option of setting costs and revenue by label value.
• Print options are available within the Profit and Loss Report.

Additional Improvements

• Result Pop Ups allow access to simulation object results more quickly and easily. Just hover the mouse over the object and the results are displayed.
  
• The Scenario Comparison Feature gives you additional information to help you decide which simulation solution is best. It compares how one simulation scenario performed against another using customizable spider diagrams and data tables. This will be covered in more detail in a forthcoming newsletter.

For further details on SIMUL8 2009 release see our Feature Tour or contact our Simulation Advisors. You can upgrade your SIMUL8 software to SIMUL8 2009 via our online shop.

If you have any questions generated from, or comments about this newsletter then email Newsletter@SIMUL8.com.