The animation of simulations can be just as important as the final results in the decision making process. So, if a picture is worth a thousand words what about one with animation?

This month we look at the benefits of animation in simulation and show you how to use animation in SIMUL8 with our Data Graphics tutorial that includes a free example simulation.

In this issue:

• If a picture is worth a thousand words...
• How to use Data Graphics Tutorial
• Your 'Why SIMUL8?' Webinar invitation
• Poll - Is animation important in your simulation?

If a picture is worth a thousand words...

In the past, simulations would take hours to run and results were presented in static, gray reports to disengaged management.

Now simulations can be run in seconds with dynamic, engaging animation on screen that help tell your story and get instant buy in from the bosses.

Do you animate your simulations? Look at your most recent simulation and ask yourself:

Can management look at the simulation and easily identify it as their process?

If they can't, you've got a problem.

When it comes to presenting your findings you'll spend most of your time explaining the simulation, trying to make them confident it's an accurate reflection of their process, and not enough time on the important part of your work - the results.

The thing to remember is that simulation is also about communication. Often just seeing the process on screen prompts discussions and thoughts that provide insight beyond what the actual numbers show.

Use animation and your display to focus the discussion

When designing your simulation take time to build the animation of work centers, have results on screen, charts and numbers, and show queues filling and emptying so bottlenecks can be immediately identified.

A simple little trick to keep the discussion focused is to put the question the simulation is answering at the top of the screen. Then whenever people go off track everyone is reminded of what you are trying to achieve.

All of this will add to the decision process, not detract from it.

Check out our Data Graphics tutorial below to see how you can help improve your simulations with animation and display.

How to use Data Graphics

The ability to see in real time what is happening in your simulation can benefit decision making and also makes a more compelling case when presenting to those not familiar with the process.

The Data Graphics option allows you to display detailed information on the simulation window that is attached to a simulation object.

Follow the steps below and download this example simulation to see how Data Graphics can be used to improve your simulations.

How to set up Data Graphics

First click on the object you want to add data graphics to. Click the Graphics button and then select the Data Graphics option.

Create a new Data Graphics item by using the “New Item” button, where you can select how to display your information from options such as Text, Data bar, or Icon Set.

Which option is best for me?

"Text" lets you display numerical or text variables, or any other data in the Information Store.

"Data Bar" gives the option to display a more graphics image than the Text option.

"Icon Set" allows you to set up to five different symbols to be displayed under certain conditions next to the attached simulation object.

Each option has lots of different style and formatting options to choose from, allowing color and appearances to suit your needs.

So What?

Now you have seen Data Graphics you'll have thought of hundreds of potential uses. Here are just a few exciting ways you could use them:

Onscreen Charts

• The Multi Bar option lets you display up to 5 different values with an individual bar. This means you can create little onscreen charts.You could display the work center utilization, average queuing times of different work types, anything you like.

Queue Contents as Stacked Chart

• Stacked Bars can be used to replace the traditional queue display. This is great if you have different work types in the same queue as it lets you create a fantastic visual display of what proportion of the queue is made up of each type.

Second Simplified Display

• Data Graphics can be used to create a second simpler view of the simulation which can bring together the information from lots of objects into one. If you have a really complicated simulation where its difficult to see the work flow this is a great way to easily show to your clients what is happening.

Report Object Image

• Set the simulation object to not display any of image, count or name, then set the data graphic to display at center and middle. This will replace the traditional image display with a report style.

Why SIMUL8? Webinar invitation

Want to know why SIMUL8 is a great tool for optimizing your business processes?

Come along to our webinar to see the different applications that SIMUL8 is used for and how easy it is to build your own.

Why SIMUL8? webinar:
Wednesday 23 February at 11 am (EST)

Register here

Poll

Is animation important in your simulations?
Please select one of the following options:

	Yes
	No

Last month’s poll showed that 32% plan years ahead and 28% plan days ahead with SIMUL8, showing just how versatile SIMUL8 is. To see the full result click here.