Anylogic 2021 Conference Presentation: Automatic generation of simulation models using process templates
- 1. Automatic generation of simulation models using process templates Sudhendu Rai Anylogic Conference (September 23, 2021)
- 2. Disclaimer NOTICE: • The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are provided for general informational purposes only. Such views and opinions are those of the presenters and the presenters alone and do not necessarily represent or otherwise reflect the views or opinions of American International Group, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. 2
- 3. Process Wind Tunnel (PWT) is a data-driven process improvement framework. PWT utilizes novel process analytics and simulation modeling techniques to deliver significantly better business results, compared to traditional approaches for process improvement. Process Wind Tunnel : A novel process improvement capability Process Mapping End-to-end process mapping • Activities and constraints • Systems and data flows Process Analytics Data collection and wrangling Operational and business insights through • Process mining • Descriptive statistics • Predictive analytics Simulation Optimization Data-driven discrete- event simulation • Model development • Scenario analysis • Process redesign • Scheduling Automation Robotic process automation (RPA) Digital Twin for continuous improvement and adaptive processes 3 Current State Analysis Future State Design Process Automation Continuous Improvement
- 4. ▪ Modeler works with business process domain expert to understand process flow, activities and their characteristics Data-Driven Discrete Event Business Process Simulation Modeling Modeling requires highly skilled individuals in simulation and analytics The above presents challenges in scaling the modeling work across multiple business processes 4 Process Maps Process Maps (Systems View) Activity Time and performer Cross Functional Process Maps Task/ Job Arrivals Historical Activity Execution Data
- 5. Simulation Model Development in Anylogic Modeler develops the simulation model 5
- 6. Analysis and Interpretation of Model Output Modeler and domain expert utilize the simulation model to perform scenario analysis and optimization 6
- 7. ▪ Two types of information needed to build a simulation model – Process flow (topology) information including business rules and constraints – Information on the activity blocks, resources etc. Simulation modeling requires significant information gathering The process of simulation modeling requires gathering of data related to process flows and parameters 7
- 8. ▪ Within an enterprise, multiple instances of a process type exist with similar basic structure but with variations across instances Variations in Process Structure and Parameters across the same family of processes A variety of factors could lead to structural differences in processes belonging to the same family of processes 8 Process Type Causes of Variations Underwriting Geographical location, service type, staffing, business applications, schedules, … Claims Finance IT …
- 9. ▪ The use of standard templates to capture process modeling information is proposed – Template information is utilized to automatically generate Anylogic discrete-event simulation models – Templates can capture information elements related to: ▪ Arrival information ▪ Activity time distributions ▪ Model graphs – how the activity blocks are linked ▪ Resource schedules ▪ Business rules ▪ Parameter variations across models can be easily implemented. However, structural variations in process are difficult to update automatically Propose decoupling process information gathering from simulation model development Through the use of pre-defined templates for gathering information, one can decouple the task for information gathering from simulation model development 9 The goal of this approach is to enable scaling of modeling technology by de-skilling the process of discrete-event simulation modeling
- 10. An example of a data collection template (1) Business process data as required by the simulation modelers is collected from the subject matter experts in customized data collection template
- 11. An example of a data collection template (2) Business process data as required by the simulation modelers is collected from the subject matter experts in customized data collection template
- 12. • Anylogic recommends using in-built Java-functions to programmatically construct simulation models within the Anylogic environment • From within Anylogic read the Excel templates and programmatically instantiate the building blocks and connectors • In this work, we chose to create the .xml model files (.alp files) directly using software modules written in Java outside of the Anylogic environment Approach to automated Anylogic model development Different approaches can be utilized to develop the Anylogic simulation model from the template 12 Anylogic xml Model Code Anylogic xml Schema
- 13. Simulation Automation Architecture Java application instantiates Java classes, reads the Excel template and creates the Anylogic simulation model automatically AnyLogic XML Schema JAVA Classes JAXB Compiler JAVA Application Excel Template XML Document JAXB Marshal
- 14. A demonstration of feasibility of the approach discussed in the talk is presented DEMO 14
- 15. Summary ▪ In this talk, we addressed the problem of scalability of discrete-event modeling technology to improve and optimize multiple instances of a class of business processes ▪ The use of pre-defined templates to capture information required for modeling was proposed that can be customized for business domain experts ▪ Software to automatically interpret the templatized information and generate discrete-event simulation models was discussed and demonstrated ▪ The use of the above approach can enable broader scalability and adoption of discrete-event simulation modeling technology within business enterprises by de- skilling and decoupling the task of simulation modeling. 15 AnyLogic XML Schema JAVA Classes JAXB Compiler JAVA Application Excel Template XML Document JAXB Marshal
- 16. Thank you! 16