Discrete Event Simulation Software: Simulate What-If with an Intelligent Digital Twin
Time-tested and proven, the Simio Discrete Event Simulation Software Platform delivers unmatched versatility and capabilities for simulating what-if scenarios with intelligent digital twins to solve complex operational challenges.
What is Discrete Event Simulation?
Discrete event simulation allows organizations to model complex systems where state changes occur at specific points in time. Discrete event simulation focuses on the specific moments when changes happen in a system – such as a customer arrival, a machine breakdown, or a process completion.
With Simio’s approach, discrete event simulation becomes more powerful through the integration, becoming true intelligent digital twins. This evolution enables organizations to not only model their systems but also connect these models to real-time operational data, creating a dynamic virtual replica that evolves alongside physical operations.
Discrete event simulation is particularly effective for:
- Modeling greenfield projects – new facilities, processes, or systems
- Analyzing brownfield projects – modifications to existing operations
- Understanding and mitigating the impact of change
- Optimizing resource allocation and system configurations
- Improving overall system performance and efficiency
The foundation of discrete event simulation lies in its ability to represent entities (products, customers, documents) flowing through a process while interacting with resources (equipment, personnel, space) according to defined logic. When enhanced with digital twin technology, discrete event simulation transforms from an analysis tool into a continuous operational asset that provides ongoing value through real-time insights and what-if analysis capabilities.
The Intelligent Digital Twin Approach
Digital twin technology bridges the gap between physical operations and virtual modeling through continuous data integration. What makes Simio’s digital twins truly intelligent is the native, embedded support for Neural Networks and AI capabilities—the first Discrete-Event-Based Digital Twin Simulation software to offer this level of integration directly within its simulation engine. This intelligence enables dynamic scenario generation, self-calibrating models, and automated decision support that transform traditional simulation from static analysis to continuous optimization.
Simio’s intelligent digital twins incorporate embedded AI agents that capture complex decision logic, by generating synthetic training data for AI model development powered by TensorFlow. The platform allows organizations to test and validate AI algorithms in a risk-free virtual environment before implementation, while its seamless Python integration enables data scientists to leverage familiar tools to further optimize decision making and optimization using Simio’s powerful simulation engine.
How Digital Twins Enhance Discrete Event Simulation
Traditional discrete event simulation models provide valuable insights, but intelligent digital twins take this capability to the next level. By creating a virtual replica of physical systems that updates in real-time, digital twins enable more dynamic and accurate what-if analysis.
Traditional Discrete Event Simulation
- Static data inputs
- Manual scenario setup
- Point-in-time analysis
- Limited integration
Intelligent Digital Twin Discrete Event Simulation
- Real-time data integration
- AI-driven scenario generation
- Continuous monitoring and adaptation
- Connected to IoT, ERP, and other systems
A process digital twin provides unprecedented visibility into your operations by mirroring real-world processes in a virtual environment. This approach allows you to:
- Emulate current system performance in near-real-time
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies as they emerge
- Test potential solutions before implementation
- Predict future system behavior based on current conditions
- Optimize operations continuously rather than periodically
Through what-if analysis simulation, teams can test multiple scenarios without disrupting actual operations. This capability is particularly valuable when evaluating potential changes to existing systems or designing entirely new processes.
Benefits of Simio’s Approach
Visualize e entenda o sistema
- Create accurate, dynamic models that capture all operational rules and decision logic
- Enable stakeholders to visualize and understand complex process parameters
- Use 3D animation to communicate system behavior effectively
- Build a shared understanding of current and proposed operations
- Identify opportunities for improvement through enhanced visibility
Digital twin simulation creates a virtual replica of your physical systems that updates in real-time with operational data. This visual representation helps teams develop a shared understanding of how systems work and where improvements can be made.
Reduzir os novos riscos de implementação
- Test new designs and processes virtually before physical implementation
- Identify and resolve potential issues before they impact operations
- Quantify the expected benefits of proposed changes
- Build stakeholder confidence through visual demonstrations
- Reduce the time and cost associated with system implementation
Simulation software like Simio helps mitigate implementation risks by allowing you to test changes in a virtual environment first. The benefits of a simulation-based digital twin include improved decision-making, reduced operational risks, and optimized performance.
Analisar e otimizar o desempenho
- Measure key performance indicators (KPIs) across multiple scenarios
- Identify bottlenecks and constraints limiting system performance
- Test improvement ideas in a risk-free virtual environment
- Optimize resource allocation and utilization
- Evaluate trade-offs between competing objectives
Through what-if analysis simulation, teams can test multiple scenarios without disrupting actual operations. This capability allows for continuous improvement based on data-driven insights rather than intuition or guesswork.
Avaliar e analisar alternativas
- Compare multiple design alternatives objectively
- Quantify the performance differences between options
- Understand the sensitivity of results to key assumptions
- Make data-driven decisions based on simulation results
- Document the rationale for selected alternatives
By implementing a digital twin, organizations can evaluate alternatives with current operational data, ensuring decisions are based on the most up-to-date information available.
Aprimorar o projeto do sistema e a implementação de CapEx
- Optimize facility layouts and process flows
- Right-size equipment and staffing levels
- Validate that designs will meet performance requirements
- Maximize return on capital investments
- Avoid over-engineering and unnecessary expenditures
A Simio intelligent digital twin combines simulation capabilities with AI to enable predictive analysis and autonomous optimization. This approach ensures that new system designs are not only effective at launch but can also adapt to changing conditions over time.
Entenda o impacto da variação
- Model realistic variation using statistical distributions
- Understand how variation affects overall system performance
- Identify which sources of variation have the greatest impact
- Develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects of variation
- Build more robust systems that perform well despite uncertainty
When comparing digital twin vs simulation approaches, the key difference lies in how they handle real-time data integration and associated model adaptation. While traditional simulation uses historical data and statistical distributions, digital twins incorporate live data feeds to create and adapt simulation models automatically that reflect current conditions more accurately.
Explore continuamente as melhorias no processo
- Creating a virtual sandbox for testing improvement ideas
- Engaging stakeholders in the improvement process
- Quantifying the expected benefits of proposed changes
- Prioritizing improvement initiatives based on value
- Implementing changes with confidence based on simulation results
By deploying digital twin technology, organizations enable ongoing optimization as conditions change, creating a continuous improvement cycle driven by real-time data, AI and advanced analytics.
Por que o Simio para Simulação de Eventos Discretos?
With over 46 years of industry-leading simulation technology development experience, Simio represents the most innovative simulation software available today. Our team has continuously advanced the science of Discrete Event Simulation, creating a fourth-generation architecture that combines ease of use with unprecedented flexibility, power, and speed.
Simio’s platform is built from the ground up—not simply an adaptation of existing applications—delivering robust, scalable simulation capabilities with seamless third-party integration. This architecture excels in both functionality depth and handling complex models, making it ideal for digital twin implementations. Simio masters traditional simulation tasks while replacing legacy applications that struggle with challenging operational needs like Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS).
Our user-friendly, feature-rich platform supports your journey from beginner to expert, backed by our customer-focused team offering specialized knowledge and extensive support resources to ensure your success with both simulation and intelligent digital twins.
Simio: A melhor escolha para simulação
Experiência de modelagem intuitiva
Simio provides a powerful yet intuitive modeling environment that combines traditional point-and-click interfaces with advanced data-generated and data-driven approaches for developing intelligent digital twins. The platform features drag-and-drop model building requiring no programming, while supporting rapid development through configurable object libraries and application-specific templates.
Key capabilities include:
- Data-generated modeling that simplifies complex modeling scenarios and scales to multi-site applications
- Out-of-the-box intelligent object libraries reducing ramp-up time for new users
- Hierarchical design allowing models to be instantiated as objects within other models
- Industry-specific templates with predefined objects, process logic, and data schemas
- Seamless integration with NVIDIA Omniverse for enhanced visualization and collaborative model development
- Extensive compatibility with CAD systems including SketchUp, AutoCAD, Inventor, and SOLIDWORKS
Simio’s intuitive interface makes powerful digital twin technology accessible to both simulation experts and those new to modeling, enabling broader adoption across organizations while minimizing long-term support requirements.
Visualização e animação em 3D
Simio Process Digital Twin models are true digital twins in both operational accuracy and visual detail. With 3D, GIS, and VR capabilities, users have powerful visualization features at their disposal:
- Realistic 3D animation of system behavior with real-time operational status updates
- Import of CAD and 2D & 3D graphics from applications such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, Inventor, and SOLIDWORKS
- Integration with NVIDIA Omniverse for enhanced collaborative visualization
- Dynamic dashboards that update during model execution
- Custom viewpoints to highlight specific areas of interest
- Recording capabilities for sharing insights with stakeholders
- Access to over one million free 3D symbols from 3D Warehouse
Real-time simulation with live data feeds creates a dynamic model that evolves as operations change. This visual representation helps stakeholders understand complex systems and builds confidence in the model’s accuracy.
Experimentação e análise de simulação
Simio’s integrated model building, simulation, experimentation, and analysis functions empower users to harness the decision-making power of discrete event simulation:
- Automated scenario management for comparing alternatives
- Ranking and selection procedures to identify optimal solutions
- Sensitivity analysis to understand key performance drivers
- Risk analysis to quantify uncertainty in outcomes
- Interactive dashboard reports customizable to match stakeholder expectations
- Gantt charts with exceptional clarity for process visualization
- Export capabilities for further analysis in Excel or other tools
Simio’s “Glass Box” approach allows users to easily identify constraints or delays related to material or resource availability, ensuring that Process Digital Twin results are both transparent and actionable. The experimentation interface enables quick parameter adjustments across scenarios without coding, comparing configurations against business KPIs to pinpoint the most effective setup.
Tempos de execução rápidos
Simio’s architecture is designed for performance, enabling:
- Rapid model execution for quick feedback regardless of model size
- Efficient handling of large, complex models of multi-site facilities and end-to-end supply chains
- Parallel processing for faster experimentation
- 64-bit support for memory-intensive applications
- Batch run capabilities for extensive analysis
- Automated and event-triggered simulation runs
- Optimization of digital twin data synchronization for real-time performance
Advanced simulation analytics transform raw data into actionable insights for continuous improvement. Simio’s performance optimization ensures that even complex digital twin models run quickly enough to support real-time decision-making.
Design verdadeiramente orientado a objetos
Simio’s patented software architecture enables the creation and modification of intelligent objects without programming:
- Process-based objects defined by graphical process flows rather than code
- Reusable objects that encapsulate both logic and animation
- Hierarchical modeling for managing complexity
- Inheritance for efficient model development and maintenance
- Extension of existing objects without programming
- Creation of custom libraries for industry- or organization-specific needs
- Digital twin object framework for seamless integration with physical systems
Objects can be easily shared between projects and users, with intelligent objects interacting as “agents” making autonomous and informed decisions. Simio operates as a “Glass Box” with easily understandable and modifiable objects, stored in a readable XML format that integrates with third-party revision control applications.
Arquitetura de software avançada
Simio’s modern architecture supports enterprise-level simulation needs:
- .NET foundation for seamless integration with other systems
- API access for custom applications and interfaces
- Support for distributed simulation across multiple machines
- Ultra-fast in-memory relational database configurable to match any external data source
- Integration with databases, spreadsheets, and other data sources
- Version control and team collaboration features
- Digital twin synchronization framework for real-time data exchange
Simio leverages the latest technology and an agile development process to rapidly deliver new features and enhancements, with robust support for scaling computing power and memory to efficiently handle increased scenario replications.
Totalmente habilitado para IA/DNN/ML
Simio embraces artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance simulation capabilities:
- Embed AI agents to capture complex decision logic and optimize operational processes
- Create clean, labeled data covering the entire solution space for training AI agents
- Train embedded Neural Networks powered by TensorFlow
- Export synthetic training data to external Neural Networks and import trained models back using the ONNX framework
- Test and validate AI algorithms in a virtual sandbox environment
- Fine-tune AI agent performance by evaluating different ML configurations
- Seamless bidirectional integration with Python for data science workflows
- Integration with NVIDIA AI technologies for enhanced performance
This powerful methodology supports system design, workflow automation, and ongoing optimization. Simio’s architecture empowers model developers and data scientists to leverage Process Digital Twin technology for creating what-if scenarios that support enterprise-wide decision-making.
Estrutura flexível de dados e integração
Simio’s open architecture features extensive data integration capabilities:
- Direct connections to SQL Server, Oracle, and other enterprise databases
- Excel integration for data import and export
- Support for CSV, XML, and other file formats
- Real-time data feeds from IoT devices and other sources
- Web service integration for cloud-based applications
- Digital twin data synchronization with enterprise systems
- Integration with MES systems such as AVEVA and Tulip
- Connectivity with PTC Kepware IoT Gateway and HighByte Intelligence Hub
- Web APIs for cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and ERP/SCP systems (SAP S/4HANA, OMP, Kinaxis, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
This comprehensive integration framework ensures seamless data flow between physical systems and their virtual counterparts, maintaining synchronization that is essential for effective digital twin implementation.
Implantações escalonáveis
Simio offers a range of deployment options to meet diverse organizational needs:
- Desktop installation for individual users
- Network licensing for team access
- Enterprise deployment for organization-wide availability
- Cloud-based options enabling large-scale experiments and efficient resource scaling
- Runtime deployment for operational use of models
- Digital twin deployment at any scale, from single processes to entire enterprises
- Collaborative web-based visualization with interactive dashboards
- Role-based access control for enterprise-wide stakeholder engagement
Simio’s comprehensive application workstreams span Simulation & Analysis, Process Design & Optimization, Planning & Scheduling, Shop Floor Orchestration, and Design-to-Operate Process Management, ensuring that simulation software can grow with organizational needs.
Feedback do usuário
“Nossos clientes querem opções e velocidade. Ao entender para onde estão indo as expectativas de nossos clientes e ao aproveitar a modelagem rápida com o Simio, estamos preparados para enfrentar esse desafio.”
Jarrod Thome
Gerente de Design de Processos e Modelagem de Simulação
McDonald’s
“O Simio Digital Twin agora é usado 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, para gerar planos que são acessíveis a todos. Esses planos são usados em reuniões diárias de gerenciamento para estabelecer a estratégia. O modelo Simio Digital Twin já foi executado mais de 65.000 vezes para gerar planos. Isso equivale a executar o modelo a cada hora por mais de 7 anos.”
Jonathan Miller
Engenheiro Industrial e Modelador de Simulação
Alcoa
“Frankly, I’ve been stunned that every time we came up with a new question or level of complexity that we needed to account for in the simulation, the Simio software answered the bell and responded to our needs.”e
J. Spencer Williams
Fundador, presidente e CEO
Câmara de Compensação de Aposentadoria
“Em nossas instalações, temos vários usuários do Simio com diferentes níveis de habilidade e conseguimos transferir modelos para equipes locais com instruções guiadas sobre como fazer alterações no modelo de nível conceitual por meio de entradas orientadas por dados. Consideramos a configuração de modelos gerados e orientados por dados do Simio como um facilitador essencial para o desenvolvimento do Digital Twin.”
Thomas Lewis
Diretor associado – Insight e análise de negócios
Bristol Myers Squibb
“Achamos que o uso de objetos para criar rapidamente um modelo funcional do layout de uma fábrica é muito adequado. Além disso, a possibilidade de adicionar lógica adicional no caso de movimento e sincronização de diferentes linhas por meio de um conjunto de instruções é fácil de implementar e expandiu nossa capacidade de resolver problemas mais complexos.”
José Vilar
Gerente de projetos
Nissan Europa
“O Simio não pode ser substituído ou superado pelo poder e pela capacidade que você obtém ao usá-lo. As informações obtidas com um modelo como esse são realmente inigualáveis. O Simio é uma ferramenta incrivelmente poderosa que ajuda a tornar a Penske melhor a cada dia.”
Morgan Mistysyn
Gerente de Excelência Operacional
Penske
“Ao usar os benefícios prospectivos que a análise de desempenho baseada em simulação do Simio oferece, economizamos dezenas de milhões de dólares em investimentos desnecessários em projetos de expansão de edifícios.”
Mike Lazzaroni
Analista de planejamento sênior
Aeroporto Internacional de Vancouver
“We modeled the prototype assembly process in Simio and adjusted resources to reduce the lead times from 3 weeks to less than 1 week.”s
Carlos Lares
Gerente sênior de operações da unidade de negócios
Soluções Skyworks
“Em todas as linhas [de produção] e em todas as programações testadas, conseguimos demonstrar um aumento de 8% na produtividade. Esse aumento foi obtido usando um otimizador de caixa preta desenvolvido pela McKinsey e um modelo Simio Digital Twin.”
Wim de Villiers
Cientista de dados sênior, QuantumBlack AI by McKinsey
McKinsey & Company
“Gosto da rapidez do Simio quando executo experimentos porque ele usa todos os núcleos [de processamento] do meu computador. Você faz ‘bum’ e está pronto!”
Anna Palmerius
Engenheiro de projetos
Vantage Airport Group
“O que dá valor a uma ferramenta é a flexibilidade… O Simio me proporciona maior valor por meio da flexibilidade com a adição da animação em 3D.”
John T. Carson
Engenheiro de operações da equipe
Lockheed Martin
“A capacidade de testar as instalações planejadas em várias condições nos permitiu entender as diferentes compensações e oferecer projetos adequados às necessidades dos nossos clientes, que podem ser expandidos à medida que o tráfego aumenta.”
Louis Roy
Planejador sênior de aeroportos
AECOM
“O modelo se mostrou muito aderente à dinâmica real das operações de movimentação interna do açúcar de cana do CTC na fábrica. Ele também permite que você visualize pontos de fila e recursos com alta e baixa ocupação.”
Mara Veronez
Engenheiro de projetos
Cosan Combustiveis e Lubrificantes S.A.
“Criamos dezenas de gêmeos digitais dimensionáveis para nossos clientes com 99% de precisão de previsão, aproveitando soluções comerciais como o Simio e criando soluções personalizadas em Python.”
Benjamin Braverman
Gerente principal de produtos, QuantumBlack AI by McKinsey
McKinsey & Company
“A maior qualidade do modelo estava no campo da visualização. O Simio facilitou a compreensão da situação atual e das projeções de crescimento futuro para os envolvidos. A estrutura também permitiu que as pessoas entendessem como as coisas funcionavam em segundo plano.”
Pascal Poudenx
Engenheiro de processos aeroportuários
Vantage Airport Group
“Na minha opinião, o Simio permite uma análise detalhada e ‘links’ individuais, bem como uma análise agregada de ponta a ponta e a otimização de cadeias de suprimentos complexas da Bundeswehr. O Simio adere particularmente bem à abordagem da cadeia de suprimentos.”
Hans-Georg Konert
Diretor Administrativo
Konekta Consulting GmbH
Quem usa o software de simulação Simio?
A Simulação de Eventos Discretos (DES) cria um ambiente de baixo risco para modelar e prever com precisão o comportamento e o desempenho de qualquer processo ou sistema completo. Por meio de um fluxo de trabalho que envolve simulação e experimentação, os usuários experimentam uma visualização completa em 3D e uma visão profunda do comportamento operacional, uma análise detalhada do desempenho e uma otimização avançada do desempenho do processo e do sistema, o que leva a uma tomada de decisão informada e a uma operação aprimorada do sistema. De empresas comerciais e agências governamentais a instituições acadêmicas, em todos os setores e tamanhos de empresas, as organizações que enfrentam desafios operacionais complexos podem aproveitar os recursos versáteis do software Simio Discrete Event Simulation.
