XLSim offers both traditional Monte Carlo simulation and interactive simulation capabilities. For traditional Monte Carlo simulation, users specify uncertain inputs, output cells, and run simulations to view results. For interactive simulation, users specify distributions as inputs, convert the model to interactive mode, add graphs and output statistics, and can then dynamically change input values to instantly rerun simulations. XLSim supports small, single-worksheet interactive models using the DIST distribution standard, while larger interactive models are better suited for Risk Solver.

1. Getting Started with XLSim® 3.1 from . Traditional Monte Carlo Simulation 1. Specify Uncertain Inputs 2. Specify Output Cells 3. Run Simulation & View Results … and optionally output DISTs for use in other applications. Interactive Simulation 1. Specify DISTs as input for your model 2. Convert model to interactive mode 3. Specify graphs and output statistics 4. When data is changed, 1,000 trials are run through the model nearly instantly XLSim has two modes of operation Next Next © Copyright 2009, AnalyCorp Inc. XLSim has offered basic Monte Carlo simulation for Microsoft Excel since 2000. Version 3.1 now supports small (single worksheet) interactive simulation models based on DIST™ 1.0 distribution strings, in which 1,000 trials are run before your finger leaves the enter key. For more on the DIST standard see www.ProbabilityManagement.org. For large interactive simulation models we recommend Risk Solver from Frontline Systems at www.Solver.com. DISTs may be shared between both packages.

2. Traditional Monte Carlo Step 1 of 3: Specify Input Distribution from Function Dialog See Plan-Traditional MC.xls. For additional information see the XLSim Tutorial on Traditional Simulation. Next Home

3. Traditional Monte Carlo Step 2 of 3: Specify Output Cell Next Home Optionally Specify DIST Output

4. Traditional Monte Carlo Step 3 of 3: Run Simulation and View Statistics Home

5. Interactive Simulation Step 1 of 4: Specify DIST Input(s) Select Cell(s) to contain uncertain quantities (DEMAND in this example) and click the Input DIST button. Then select the cell(s) containing the DIST(s). See Plan-DIST.xls. For additional information see the XLSim Tutorial on Interactive Simulation. Next Home When a scroll bar is added, you can scroll your model through all iterations. Optionally Specify a Cell for an Iteration Counter and an Associated Scroll Bar.

6. Interactive Simulation Step 2 of 4: Generate the DIST-Based Interactive Model Select the Output Cell(s) and click the DISTify button. A new worksheet will be generated containing interactive DIST formulas, leaving your original model intact. Next Home DIST formula sheet Original sheet

7. Interactive Simulation Step 3 of 4: Add Graphs and Output Statistics A. Select an Output Cell on the original sheet and click the Blitzogram button. Then select empty cells in the spreadsheet for calculations. B. Add formulas for statistical properties of Output Cells such as Average on the original sheet. Click the Output button. Formulas will be redirected to the corresponding cell on the DIST formula sheet. Next Home

8. Interactive Simulation Step 4 of 4: Have Fun! Change the amount invested in cell B4, and a 1,000 trial simulation of Profit is immediately run. Link a spinner to investment to create a dramatic presentation like the one below. And of course, for any investment level, you may scroll through all 1,000 trials individually with the scroll bar created at step 1. See Plan-DIST completed.xls. Home