A visual aproach to enhance discrete-event simulation model interoperability

With the continued advance of discrete-event simulation technology, various software packages have evolved that greatly facilitate the development and analysis of discrete-event simulation models. However, each of these applications uses different approaches and terminology for representing the behavior of the systems being studied. As a result of this disparity in implementations, models developed in different applications cannot interact with other models. Also, the disparity makes it more difficult for humans to understand the models. In this work, a visual modeling approach is proposed that allows the modeler, and those not expert in simulation, to create conceptual models that are independent of the implementation application. The approach uses eight common simulation elements. This approach facilitates the model interactions at the model formulation stage and at the application stage.