Introduction to discrete-event simulation

TLDR

Discrete‑event simulation is introduced by defining core concepts such as system, model, state, entities, attributes, and delays, describing event‑scheduling, process‑interaction, and activity‑scanning perspectives, and classifying simulation languages by system type, application level, and perspective while outlining their key features. The article introduces discrete‑event simulation to readers. The authors model a discrete system using the event‑scheduling perspective to illustrate the concepts.

Abstract

In this article, we introduce the reader to discrete-event simulation. The concepts of system and model, system state, entities, attributes and delays are defined in the general context of simulation. Using these concepts, event-scheduling, process-interaction, and activity-scanning perspectives are briefly described. To demonstrate the use of the concepts, a discrete system is modeled using the event-scheduling perspective. Simulation languages are classified in terms of the type of system being modeled, the application level, and the perspective taken. The features of a simulation language are discussed. Lastly, basic information is provided about an assortment of discrete-event simulation languages.