Integrated Simulation
Siecap understands that managerial decisions are increasingly being based on analysis, using data to support and make informed decisions. When “averages” are not adequate to define complex operations and traditional deterministic methods do not address the levels of dependency within components, nor the inherent variabilities that often characterize modern day supply chains or operations, Siecap can provide quantitative decision support and systems analysis through discrete event simulation, considering all physical intermodal processes to measure the actions, effects and responses within a system.
Siecap has developed its simulation offering around the use of quantitative models, applying the principles of System Dynamics and probability management, which has its origins in “Monte Carlo” or stochastic simulation. Siecap’s offering has been developed to provide organisations with enhanced decision support and a better understanding of the complex characteristics and uncertainty of their operation’s setting.
By providing a logical, virtual representation of a system or process, Siecap’s dynamic simulations enable detailed understanding and assessment of the dynamic variable nature of an environment and the inputs and responses of a system or process.
Siecap understands that in order to remain competitive and profitable, it is essential that operations have all their processes, logistics and integrated supply chains operating at the maximum efficiency and this is where the use of integrated simulation is important.
PROJECT EXAMPLES
Siecap developed a complete pit-to-port model inclusive of mine processing operations, land operations (hauling, stockpiling, etc.), and river/marine operations (ship loading/unloading, inbound/outbound movement to transshipping anchorage etc.). Siecap’s model incorporated and utilised data that addressed the following variable complexities:
Process Engineering and operations i.e. mass flows, water balance, separation efficiencies, maintenance, breakdowns etc.
Met-Ocean Environment i.e. tides, weather (wind & wave), bathymetry etc.
Logistics i.e. fleet sizes, availabilities, utilisation, maintenance, breakdowns etc.
Siecap developed a discrete event model to identify and address potential queuing issues, waiting times, delays and resource/facility utilisation. The primary purpose was to demonstrate a workable logistics solution and secondly to provide an operations analysis tool to evaluate the effect of delays and risk events on the productivity and viability of the project.
The ability to include randomness and show dynamic aspects through time is one of the most valuable characteristics of a Siecap simulation. Introducing randomness into a model mimics the patterns and unpredictability of the real world, increasing model accuracy.
Siecap developed a mineral process model using lab test data and first principle methodologies i.e. mass and energy conservation and population balance methodology. Each piece of equipment within the process was configured individually i.e. use, availability and processing variability rates.
The simulation allowed the client to:
Verify equipment sizes (tanks, pumps, pipes & valves)
Test process control strategies
Perform Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analyses
De-bottleneck operations
Optimise energy use.
Siecap developed a discrete event simulation model using Extendsim to model a proposed port precinct’s operations. The simulation produced a set of results for different land use scenarios detailing resource utilization, the total number of trucks passing through, length of queues, average waiting time etc. all of which served to illustrate each scenario’s ability to address the issue of congestion within the new proposed port precinct.
For more information on Integrated Simulations, contact us today.