General purpose simulation system based on Excel language

Abstract

Many kinds of simulation systems have been developed. All of them are general or special purpose simulation systems, and the latter are used especially in their specific fields. To carry out simulations using them, however, requires one to learn each method's original methods or conceptualizations. Naturally, there are simulations using general purpose language, such well, but it is difficult to build the computer model and also make its program. Moreover, professional knowledge concerning computer simulation is required to use them. On the other hand, simulation techniques that enable one to perform a simulation by using general purpose languages, such as Excel and Octave, have attracted attention of researchers in many kinds of fields recently. The Excel language is a popular one for computer users and has the ability to process tables. The method is used to carry out simulation for simple systems with some queuing sub-systems connected in series, but not to do simulation for more complex systems such as network with queuing sub-systems connected in parallel. Therefore the advent of a method that is able to carry out easily simulation for more complex system has been desired. Considering the above trend and background, we propose a new simulation system using Excel as a host language. This system, which we have been developing, makes it possible easily and simply to carry out simulations for network flow-type systems such as manufacturing systems, in which a certain kind of transaction moves in the network. Our system enables users to build the model of a network system visually, with queue sub-systems connected in series and/or parallel on the computer display through human interface. Therefore it is possible to use our simulation system not only for experts, but also for beginners in the field of computer simulation. Our simulation system has the following characteristics: 1) Professional knowledge concerning simulation is not required for using it. 2) Knowledge of EXCEL language is not required for using it to perform fundamental simulations. 3) It is possible to carry out a simulation easily by only learning its method briefly. 4) It is possible for people, especially students with knowledge of the EXCEL language, to make complex simulations more simply and easily. 5) It is possible to represent and edit the simulation results freely using the functions of the Excel language In this paper, we describe the approach of our simulation system, and the characteristics of management systems such as manufacturing processes. We also describe the functions and characteristics of our system. Finally, we verify the fundamental functions and performance of our system by carrying out a simulation using with our system.