Your introduction to simulation
Before the decision for the implementation of a simulation study is made, it should be clarified whether all qualifications for a successful project have been fulfilled. If there is a lack of experience with the simulation tool, it is recommended to call in a consultant already during the fundamental decision. He will be able to judge whether simulation is suitable for the individual problem.
During the initial phase you should also decide whether to set up an internal simulation service provider or to commission an external service provider.
This decision should be made on the basis of the following conditions:
- Cost comparison for internal and external service provider
- Availability of the technological (hard- and software) and personnel capacities
- Support expenditure for internal or external service provider
- Acquisition of know-how for future simulation projects
Furthermore it must be noted that a lack of experience with handling simulation increases the probability of modelling errors and leads to longer project life spans.
In order to avoid this it is recommended to implement the first project in collaboration with an experienced consultant, even in case an internal service provider is set up. This guarantees an effective transfer of know-how to the newcomer within the scope of practical application. Of course, this does not make a specialist yet. The "training period" for a simulation service provider lasts one to two years, depending on the qualification.
The costs for the simulation study (see table 1) consist of the start-up costs and the costs for the actual project expenditur.
|
|
Internal service provider
|
External service provider
|
Start-up costs
|
Hard- and software
Simulation system
Training of an employee
|
Hard- and software
Poss. simulation system
|
Project costs
|
Approx. 60% of the total expenditure
(see figure 1 in qualifications for use)
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Table 2 illustrates the basic classification of simulation projects and the expected costs.
Nature of the project
|
Total expenditure
in man-days
|
Costs for external
service provider
(approx. 60% of the
total expenditure)
|
|
Small, e.g. workshop with several machines or optimisations of existing plants
|
10 to 20
|
5 to 15 k€
|
|
Medium, e.g. High rack warehouse with pre-zone or automated guided vehicle system
|
40 to 80
|
15 to 40 k€
|
|
Large, e.g. entire plants, complex systems
|
80 to 200
|
40 to 120 k€
|
|
Long term, e.g. constant review of improvements with the simulation model
|
From 100
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From 50 k€
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Learn more about the selection of the right partner now.
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Knowledge 
