The full talk is available at: https://youtu.be/xz295p_wS1k Abstract: Discrete-event simulation modeling is a powerful technology to analyze and improve complex business processes. However, the development of such models requires significant expertise and skills. In any business, there exist general classes of processes with specific instantiations within each class. In this talk, we propose the use of data templates for capturing process data and automated generation of simulation models using those templates. These auto-generated simulation models can be further enhanced using the Anylogic visual programming interface. Other analytical features of Anylogic such as optimization, visualization, automated output of simulation results can be utilized to analyze and improve the processes. By developing a library of templates, organizational knowledge associated with the processes can be captured and stored. These models will capture process dynamics and interactions and be far richer than what is captured through the use of process maps only. This approach will enable a broader use of simulation technology to develop business processes and make improved organizational decisions through de-skilling. It will also enable the integration of simulation software into a broader process improvement technology ecosystem. #datascience #analytics #simulationmodeling #processexcellence #processimprovement #processoptimization #processautomation #processmining #processintelligence #processtransformation

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.
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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
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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
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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
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6. Analysis and Interpretation of Model Output
Modeler and domain expert utilize the simulation model to perform scenario analysis and
optimization
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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AnyLogic
XML
Schema
JAVA
Classes
JAXB Compiler
JAVA
Application
Excel
Template
XML
Document
JAXB Marshal

16. Thank you!
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