HistoRIA: A new tool for simulation input analysis

An important step in input modeling is the assessment of data being independently and identically distributed (IID). While this is straightforward when modeling stationary stochastic processes, it becomes more challenging when the stochastic process follows a non-stationary pattern where the probability distribution or its parameters depend on time. In this paper, we first discuss the challenges faced by using traditional approaches. We then introduce the Histograms and Rates for Input Analysis (HistoRIA) as a tool to facilitate input modeling. The tool automates the analysis process and significantly reduces the amount of time and effort required to test the IID assumptions. The generated HistoRIA plot is capable of effectively illustrating changes in the rate and distribution over time. Although originally designed and developed for simulation input analysis, the paper demonstrates how the tool can potentially be applicable in other areas where non-stationarity in the data is also common.