Comprehensive Data Collection Strategies for Effective Simulation Modeling
This guide outlines essential strategies for collecting data to support simulation modeling. It covers various sources of data, including computer files, databases, spreadsheets, and observational methods. Emphasizing the importance of collecting adequate data for statistical significance, it details the necessary parameters, collection guidelines, and processes. It also discusses the roles of collectors, the timing of data collection, and the documentation required for analysis and reporting. Ultimately, this resource aids in designing effective simulation models aligned with project objectives.
Comprehensive Data Collection Strategies for Effective Simulation Modeling
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Presentation Transcript
Sources of Data • Computer Files • Database • Spreadsheets • Raw Data • Video Records • Hard Copy Files & Documents • Interviews • Video • Observation of running system • Interviews Existing Observation
When & How Much to Collect? • To help design model • Interviews • Observation • Minimum necessary • To obtain input parameters • Adequate amount for statistical tests Preliminary Detailed
What to collect? • Data to Determine • Layout of system • Entities of importance • Flow of entities • Problems • Rough estimates of times • Data for • Arrivals • Services • Queues • Anomalies Preliminary Detailed
What to collect? More… • Focus on data related to problems & objectives • Enough data for statistical significance • Continuous data
Collection Schedule Depends on Simulation Objectives & Level of Activity • Days of week • Busiest, Typical, Slowest • All, Certain ones • Time of day • Busiest, Typical, Slowest • Start-up, Wind-down • Length of time • Adequate numbers
How Many Collectors? • Minimum of 2 collectors for each major entity • One watches & times; One records • Factors • Level of Activity • Proximity of areas to be observed • Visibility
Collection Guidelines Collectors can have NO Effect on the system! • Should be located “outside” the system • Cannot utilize any resource • Never interfere • Best if not seen
Collection Process • Collect information necessary to reproduce system activity • NOTE: That is not everything!! • Example: Single Queue & Server System • Arrival Time, Begin Service, End Service • Allows calculation of all remaining values of interest. How? • Time Units • Smallest necessary (seconds, minutes…)
Data Collection Plan • A description of process that includes • Method(s) for collection • Timeline for data collection process & completion • List of data items to be collected • Number of collectors • Dates & times of actual data collected (if not observed in real-time) • Justification for each of the above • Diagrams as necessary
Data Collection Report • A description of completed collection process that includes • Restatement of “Plan” & any changes to original plan • Results of Statistical Analysis of data • Graphs, Averages, Max, Min • Summary of results • Relation of results to clients objectives • Recommendations • Diagrams as necessary
Data Collection Assignment • Select System • Design & Write Data Collection Plan • Observe & Collect • Complete Data Analysis • Write Data Collection Report
