You are here: Planning the Model > Building a Model > Phased Modeling Approach
Instead of trying to build a model all at once, you may want to implement a phased modeling approach where you build the model in stages. This will help you understand the basic modeling elements before moving on to more complex ones like attributes and IF-THEN logic. The following elements are those components normally entered during each phase of the model building process.
In the first phase you input all of the basic model elements: General Information, Locations, Entities, Arrivals, and Processing. You also import a background graphic to help in placing the locations in the layout window. Upon completion of this phase you have a fully working model, ready to animate and collect output.
The second phase normally consists of expanding the model by adding resources and the corresponding path network needed to move entities, using resources, from location to location.
The final phase usually consists of adding additional reality to the model—that is, adding those nuances that make the model an accurate representation of a real system. These include:
• Adding Quantity and Time_in_system attributes.
• Changing operational times from simple time constants to distributions.
• Adding features that ensure accurate entity processing.
• Adding variables for on-screen display.
• Defining appropriate downtimes.