Connecting the Operational Environment to a Simulation

This paper proposes a methodology for applying simulation technology to the monitoring and control of operations. It focuses on the synchronization of the real operation with the planned operation in simulation. This methodology uses intelligent agents, called Operations Monitors, to compare the real operation to the plan, which is running in an operationally-focused simulation. When the Operations Monitors detect differences that threaten the success of the plan, they advise the decision-maker. This paper focuses on the problems of keeping the real operation and the simulation of that operation synchronized so that the Operations Monitors can accurately compare them.