Chapter 10: Problem 1
10.1) Compare and contrast the three ways of creating model logic. What determines your choice when creating a specific object?
The three ways of defining an object’s model logic are 1) hierarchical model creation using the facility view, 2) using processes to specify the logic giving the object its behavior, and 3) sub-classing an existing object definition and then modifying the behavior of the new object through processes. In choosing among these three approaches, one should consider how similar the behavior of the desired object will be in relation to individual objects in Simio’s Standard Library, whether this object can be built as a combination or network of existing objects, and the tradeoff between one’s time and comfort working with Simio processes and the need to completely customize the object’s behavior by building up its model logic from scratch in a process model. If one’s proposed object definition calls for many of the same properties and similar behavior as an existing Standard Library or custom-made object, then one can leverage and repurpose existing model logic in a very efficient manner through sub-classing, and depending on one’s needs, can also add, rename, or hide inherited properties and alter or extend inherited process logic in the sub-classed object. If one desires to build a higher-level object or an object with multiple component parts that could be realized by combining several existing objects, then defining the object’s model logic hierarchically in the facility window is likely the best way to proceed. If neither of these two approaches offer the necessary flexibility, then one can define the new object’s behavior using processes.