How do you choose the right simulation software for your plant layout needs?

1 Simulation objectives

The first step in choosing a simulation software is to define your simulation objectives. What are the main questions or problems that you want to address with simulation? What are the performance measures or indicators that you want to evaluate or improve? How detailed or realistic do you need your simulation model to be? Your simulation objectives will help you narrow down your options and select a software that can meet your requirements and expectations.

2 Simulation features

When selecting a simulation software, it is important to compare the features and capabilities of different packages. Look for the ability to create, edit, and visualize your plant layout in 2D or 3D using predefined or custom objects and symbols. Additionally, the software should be able to import and export data from other software such as CAD, ERP, or MES. It should also have the capability to model and simulate various aspects of your plant operation, such as material flow, resource allocation, scheduling, inventory, logistics, quality, energy, and waste management. Furthermore, it should be able to perform statistical analysis, optimization, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, and validation of your simulation results. Lastly, it should have the ability to generate reports, charts, graphs, animations, and videos of your simulation output.

3 Simulation costs

When selecting simulation software, it’s important to consider the costs and benefits. The initial purchase price or license fee may vary depending on the number of users, modules, or features required. Additionally, there may be maintenance and upgrade costs for technical support, bug fixes, or new versions of the software. Training and learning costs are also important to take into account, as well as the time and resources needed to create, run, and modify your simulation model or to integrate it with other systems. Weigh these costs against the potential benefits such as improved plant performance, reduced operational risks, or increased competitive advantage.

4 Simulation reviews

The fourth step in choosing a simulation software is to consult the reviews and feedback of other users or experts who have used the software. You can find these reviews on online forums, blogs, websites, magazines, or journals that specialize in plant layout or simulation topics. You can also ask for references or testimonials from the software vendors or distributors. These reviews can help you gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different software packages, as well as the user experience and satisfaction.

5 Simulation trials

The fifth step in choosing a simulation software is to test the software yourself before making a final decision. You can request a free trial or demo version of the software from the software vendor or distributor, or you can download it from their website. You can use this trial version to create a simple or partial simulation model of your plant layout, and to evaluate the features and functions of the software. You can also compare the results and outputs of different software packages, and see how they match your simulation objectives and expectations.

6 Simulation support

The sixth and final step in choosing a simulation software is to ensure that you have adequate and reliable support for using the software. You should check the availability and quality of the technical support, customer service, or online help that the software vendor or distributor provides. You should also check the availability and quality of the documentation, manuals, tutorials, or online resources that the software vendor or distributor provides. You should also check the availability and quality of the community, network, or forum of other users or experts who use the software. These sources of support can help you solve any issues or problems that you may encounter while using the software, or to learn new tips or tricks for improving your simulation model or results.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?