Business Process Modeling, Simulation and Design

CHAPTER 9

Input and Output Data Analysis

Data analysis is a key element of computer simulation. Without analysis of input data, a simulation model cannot be built and validated properly. Likewise, without appropriate analysis of simulation output data, valid conclusions cannot be drawn and sound recommendations cannot be made. In other words, without input data analysis, there is no simulation model, and without output data analysis, a simulation model is worthless.

Input data analysis is needed because business processes are rarely deterministic. Factors such as arrival rates and processing times affect the performance of a process, and they are typically nondeterministic (i.e., stochastic). For instance, the time elapsed between the arrival ...