BENCHMARKING SIMULATION SOFTWARE FOR USE IN MODELING POSTAL OPERATIONS

Abstract

This paper reports on the second component of a three phase study undertaken for the Canada Post Corporation (CPC) to evaluate and select a commercial simulation package to be used for operational and long-term planning. The formal evaluation process consisted of a hierarchical screening procedure to identify qualified candidates and the development of a comprehensive benchmark model to test each candidate. Of the 172 simulation packages listed in the Directory of Simulation, only three satisfied each of the CPC's highest priority requirements. Data, mail flows, and processing logic associated with operations at the Hamilton, Ontario plant were used to establish the benchmarks and validate the models. This project represents the first time full-scale models have been constructed in parallel to evaluate graphics-based simulation software. Although several economies of scale were realized, the differences in the three packages meant significant duplication. Nevertheless, the CPC felt that the parallel approach would return benefits in the long run and that it was necessary to arrive at a considered decision. A major aim of this paper is to highlight the methodology used in the analysis and to present the lessons learned from the project. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd