Pitfalls in Simulation

If the steps that have been outlined are followed, the chances of performing a successful simulation project are very good. Typical reasons why simulation projects fail include the following:

• Failure to state clear objectives at the outset.

• Failure to involve individuals affected by outcome.

• Overrunning budget and time constraints.

• Failure to document and get a consensus on input data.

• Including more detail than is needed.

• Including variables that have little or no impact on system behavior.

• Failure to verify and validate the model.

• Basing decisions on a single run observation.

• Basing decisions on average statistics when the output is actually cyclical.

• Being too technical and detailed in presenting the results to management.