Introduction to ARENA

ABSTRACT

This paper highlights the features and functions of Systems Modeling Corporation's general purpose simulation system, Arena. Arena represents an advancement in simulation technology by enabling enterprise-wide simulation. It is a comprehensive system that addresses all phases of a simulation project from input data analysis to the analysis of simulation output data. Building on the capabilities of Systems Modeling's earlier products, SIMAN and Cinema, Arena uses a hierarchical approach to provide the user with the power of a simulation language and the flexibility of a simulator. The object-oriented approach that was central to Arena's development, coupled with the hierarchical architecture, enables the professional user to define the personality of the system for the end-user. The professional user can actually build his or her own simulation system by combining SIMAN and Arena constructs into modules for the end-user. Arena is focused on bringing the use of simulation to broad new classes of users. Its application focus addresses the needs of manufacturing as well as decision support for many other areas including, business process reengineering, medical systems, transportation, logistics, and data communications.

REFERENCES

• 1: Michael J. Drevna , Cynthia J. Kasales, Introduction to Arena, Proceedings of the 26th conference on Winter simulation, p.431-436, December 11-14, 1994, Orlando, Florida, United States
• 2: Hammann, J.E., and T. Matwijoc. 1994. Enterprise-Wide Simulation-The Next Generation. In Proceedings of Manufacturing in Southern Africa 1994, 149-153. South African Institue of Industrial Engineers, Capetown, South Africa.
• 3: C. Dennis Pegden , Deborah A. Davis, Arena: a SIMAN/Cinema-based hierarchical modeling system, Proceedings of the 24th conference on Winter simulation, p.390-399, December 13-16, 1992, Arlington, Virginia, United States [doi>10.1145/167293.167390]
• 4: C. Dennis Pegden , Randall P. Sadowski , Robert E. Shannon, Introduction to Simulation Using SIMAN, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY, 1995
• 5: David M. Profozich , David T. Sturrock, Introduction to SIMAN/Cinema, Proceedings of the 26th conference on Winter simulation, p.427-430, December 11-14, 1994, Orlando, Florida, United States
• 6: Systems Modeling Corporation. 1994. Advanced Manufacturing Template Reference Guide. Sewickley, PA.
• 7: Systems Modeling Corporation. 1995. Arena Template Reference Guide. Sewickley, PA.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems
          Subjects: Decision support (e.g., MIS)
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Windowing systems

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.1 Simulation Theory
          Subjects: Model classification

General Terms:
Design, Performance