About Simcad^®

Unlike outdated simulation software, Simcad’s graphical interface does not generate code as you work with the graphical interface. Full customization of model behavior is supported as outlined in the “Expanding the model, Advanced Modeling” section.

Animations are automatically created both in 2D and 3D. Changing the model behavior, layout, process flow, or other parameters automatically modify the model visuals. No post processing or managing different constructs with Simcad.

Further, the animation in Simcad is a direct, 100%, representation of the simulation engine. This increases model accuracy as you know exactly where each entity is as opposed to outdated simulation software that provide visuals that are an approximation of their accurate depiction, this approximation also impacts model analysis as time units are skipped and approximated as opposed to being simulated in real-time.

Model simplification is supported by Simcad using the following features/capabilities
Built in object, process, resource components with 3D visuals

Singular model building construct -
Modularity. Internal modules and external modules.
Internal modules, saved within the simulation file, support rapid scenario comparison and quick model changes for moderate to larger scale models. External modules support team and enterprise wide modeling efforts. Team members can pull existing modules into their own models and simply plug and play to connect to the new model

Auto-Create
Easily create any size storage rack, AS/RS, number of processes, and connection line pathways using the auto-create functionality. The auto-create functionality also allows for modifying a previously built process or set of processes. i.e. Modifying a storage rack or AS/RS from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration with a new naming convention and different number of levels and bays requires only a few clicks and the model automatically updates. Furthermore, by using the auto-create feature all imported SKU data will automatically map to the location for real-to-life simulation modeling of actual systems (not just an approximation).

Inheritance
With small models, changing behavior or a few parameters is quick and straightforward for the user to manage. When working with moderately complex or large simulation models you may have thousands of slot locations or hundreds of different machines. Instead of modifying each one individually or updated scripting/code/sub-routines, in Simcad you can simply update the behavior in one location (on the module) and the rest of the processes will inheriate the new behavior. Each of these modules can remain intact in the model so that the user can easily switch between multiple scenarios review results very quickly without having to rework extensive parts of the model.

Data Driven Modeling
The parts we produce contain special properties and parameters, can Simcad Pro support the additional properties? Yes, the models in Simcad support any number of unique or shared parameters in the model. As SKU’s change, number of locations change, process properties, object routings, change the model will automatically adjust and update based on the new data set.

• Utilization, Efficiency, OEE, Availability, Performance
• VAT, N-VAT
• Capacity, Storage sizing
• Cycle Time, Lead Time, Rate per time unit, WIP
• Loading, unloading time

• Rates
• Lead time, Cycle time
• Travel distance, Object Schedule
• WIP
• Completed count, Hands on time
• Resource touches
• VAT, N-VAT
• Efficiency
• Shift utilization
• Interval timing, dock – staging, staging – put-away, picking – outbound

• Slotting Optimization, Order release optimization, Pick path optimization, Put-away optimization, Replenishment optimization, ASRS analysis and optimization
• Layout and Facility sq ft requirements
• Labor pool sizing and labor allocation optimization
• Material handling analysis and optimization – Manual and Automated
• Capacity, Forecasting, and Demand planning
• Constraint and bottleneck reporting
• Machine requirements, MTBF/MTTR, Downtime, Changeover, Setup
• VAS analysis and optimization, kitting, assembly, etc
• Identified productivity standards can be utilized within the models for additional analysis focused on providing custom reports for metrics related to costing, labor standards, throughput, i.e. lines per hour, as well as the related scenario analysis

• Data – Simcad can simulate multiple time periods ranging from short term, i.e. one hour, to longer term, i.e. multiple decades. There is no limit on the time duration of the simulation run. This allows for seasonality analysis as well as ramp up/draw down planning over longer periods of time to take into account growth and increased demand planning.
• Data granularity – Simcad includes the capability to load SKU/Order/line level data, order details, inbound data truck manifest, outbound data. This capability allows for realistic and accurate simulations of actual warehouse operations.
• Simcad also supports custom data analysis and distribution generation. This can be applied to all aspects of the simulation data including generating order profiles based on historical or forecasted data sets.
• The data may be loaded internally to the model or remain external to the model. The model will update accordingly and continually communicate with the external data source during the run.
• External Data may reside in a number of formats, SQL, Excel, Oracle, Access, PLC/OPC Server. Simcad can also communicate with web services as needed.

• Monte Carlo simulation is included and supports defining variables and parameters with varying ranges and analysis to determine the probability of system performance as well as the impact on system performance

• Multiple scenario configurations can be analyzed with Simcad
• As processing within the system fluctuates the model analysis will show the impact on affected areas
• Based on the model reporting the model constraints and behavior may be modified to avoid the identified bottlenecks and problem areas
• Simcad also includes the capability for system and process optimization based on model feedback loops