Using the "Image: " Label

Prerequisites:

This discussion assumes that you already have a basic understanding of how to set and use labels, as well as how to associate an image with a work item. For more complete information on these topics, see our book, Learning SIMUL8: The Complete Guide or ask about our training programs.

Example Model:

To follow along with this example, download and open the Image.s8 model.

Description:

Animation is often an important model element, especially when it comes to explaining the system's behavior to stakeholders. Having the means to dynamically change graphics can be a key factor in the effectiveness of any animation. This week's topic demonstrates how to use a special reserved system label called "Image:" to make your work items follow a specified on-screen path.

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Using a CAD Drawing in SIMUL8

I'm creating a model of a manufacturing process. I'd like to use a CAD drawing of the plant floor as a background graphic in my SIMUL8 model. What's the best way to accomplish this?

First, we should say that anything you can do to make the model come alive for decision makers and stakeholders will only make your life as developer easier. If your model relates to a physical process and you have a CAD drawing readily available, it is a great idea to take the time to add it to your model.

As is true so often with SIMUL8, you've got a couple of options for accomplishing this task. One way is to use SIMUL8's built-in AutoCAD import option under the File menu. If your CAD drawing is not overly complex, you may be happy with this method.

We frequently find, however, that this method gets less than stellar results. We've never heard of a CAD drawing that was created with a simulation model in mind. CAD drawings usally contain a great deal of information that is irrelevant to the simulation model. The resulting scale is much too dense to be very appealing your simulation model.

We've had much better luck by doing a bit of preliminary work on the CAD drawing in a pixel or vector -based graphics program before we bring it into SIMUL8. This allows us to be picky about what we include in the background graphic, only including the elements that are relevant to the simulation model. Common editing tasks include removing unnecessary detail or unwanted text, changing or adding colors, and rescaling.

Once we are satisfied with the modified CAD drawing, we save it as a bitmap or jpg. For most uses, a graphic that is 1000 x 560 pixels seems to work well. We also find that, like painting a house for resale, neutral colors tend to go over best.

To add the graphic to your model, select the Graphics button from the Graphics palette then click on the simulation screen approximately where you want the top left corner of the graphic to be. SIMUL8 will then prompt you with a File Open dialog. All that's left is to select the modified graphic file that you just created and admire your work!

Simulation as a Sales Tool

Simulation has long been thought of as a tool best suited for engineering or design purposes. Lately, we've seen it used as a very effective sales tool as well.
It is a natural fit, if you think about it. Simulation can give a very accurate, vivid, and convincing picture of how a proposed system will work under various conditions. What better way to prove the capabilities of your solution to a potential client?

Even if you are not involved in outside sales, you may still run across the need to sell your proposed solution internally. Consider turning to simulation when you need to sell management on a proposed project or gain buy-in from the employees who will be affected by an upcoming system change.

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Cut Your Development Time with On-Screen Shortcuts

When you are immersed in simulation model development, little conveniences can make all the difference. During the debugging process, it is common to run the model for some time, flip back to one or more Information Store (IS) sheets, perhaps change something then start the whole process again.

To help save time, we often create a 'Control Panel' sub-window containing quick links to important information as well as dynamically updated statistics of interest. This is especially true for small to mid-sized models that may not have a full-fledged user interface attached. A simple control panel is quick to put together, yet it saves development time and serves as a useful reference point for the model's end user.

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Data, Data Everywhere and Not An Expert in Sight

If you've built a few simulations, its a good bet that you've been through projects where you just didn't have access to all the data the textbooks said you should have. In such cases, the enterprising simulationist is usually left with no choice but to deal with this situation by interviewing appropriate subject matter experts (SMEs) and making what amount to expert guesses.

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