Simulation anywhere any time: Web-based simulation implementation for evaluating order-to-delivery systems and processes

Abstract

GM Enterprise Systems Laboratory (GMESL) has developed a standalone single user simulation program for evaluating and predicting order-to-delivery (OTD) systems and processes. In order for more people to be able to access this simulator, to share the simulation results, and to analyze simulation collaboratively, we have designed, developed and implemented an Internet-based three-tiered client/server framework, which consists of the three tiers: database, execution and user interface. The corresponding components are: database server, execution server, and Web based user interface. The relational database server enables users to interact with the persistent data sets for simulation study and maintains data integrity. The multi-agent based execution server guarantees stable user responsiveness by virtue of the multi-agent flexible architecture, accordingly achieving a high level of processing scalability. Finally the Web-based graphical user interface helps users to easily conduct the simulation study from anywhere at any time, and the visual simulation analysis tool helps users to make decisions effectively.