Discrete Event Simulation

Discrete-event simulation represents modeling, simulating, and analyzing systems utilizing the computational and mathematical techniques, while creating a model construct of a conceptual framework that describes a system. The system is father simulates by performing experiment(s) using computer implementation of the model and analyzed to draw conclusions from output that assist in decision making process. Discrete event simulation technologies have been extensively used by industry and academia to deal with various industrial problems. By late 1990s, the discrete event simulation was in doldrums as global manufacturing industries went through radical changes. The simulation software industry also went through consolidation. The changes have created new problems, challenges and opportunities to the discrete event simulation. This chapter reviews the discrete event simulation technologies; discusses challenges and opportunities presented by both global manufacturing and the knowledge economy. The authors believe that discrete event simulation remains one of the most effective decision support tools but much need to be done in order to address new challenges. To this end, the chapter calls for development of a new generation of discrete event simulation software.