Model flexibility: Development of a generic data-driven simulation

The idea of simulation model “re-use” is a novel term that in theory will allow for quick turn-around times where budgetary constraints can hold back the development of a new model. The intention of this paper is not to examine a specific example of how a simulation was developed and utilized for “re-use”, but rather explain the process of developing a computer simulation flexible enough that will allow for “reuse”. The overall outcome of this type of development is a data-driven simulation model that is flexible enough to expand to many similar systems without significantly altering the code of the simulation. As a result of this data-driven simulation, companies/organizations are able to reap the benefits of reducing future development time, utilizing the model for other similar systems, achieve quick turn-around, and the ability to perform large scale sensitivity analysis.