Branching Simulation with some complex math
Oct 09, 2014
Hi guys,
I'm looking for some advice: I'm trying to build a "choose your own adventure" type simulation. The catch is that decisions need to carry weight to a "flow simulation" that would sit alongside the decision matrix. In our case, this has to do with simulating warehousing and logistics--products are being ordered, processed and fulfilled, so your decisions can add to the processing time or increase labor, which in turn costs money. It's not enough to just "spoof" the outcome. In other words, I can't just say, "OK, now that you messed this up, your throughput is now X". Our managers will instantly reject this if they feel the decisions are only fictional. So it needs to have solid math behind it.
My hope is that I can use Storyline for the "choose your own adventure" (easy enough) as it branches to new scenes where there are further decisions to make. But I need those decisions to affect math formulas behind the scenes--volume, capacity and throughput.
What's the best way to approach this? I think I could likely use Javascript out of Storyline to modify variables. or I could just use visual basic and Excel instead of Storyline, I suppose.
Anyone tried anything similar?
Thanks!
5 Replies
How complex is the 'behind-the-scenes' math? Does it involve advanced math like differentials? Can you provide a sample formula? Advanced math would probably require JavaScript.
It's really not terribly complex--but there are a number of different variables that are factored in to the equations. The decision points would affect some of those factors.
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Really Simple Example:
Process 1 (Fluid): 700 units per hour
Process 2 (Pallet): 300 units per hour
Total Work in Progress = 15,000 units
--Carrier 1: 8,000
--Carrier 2: 5,000
--Carrier 3: 2,000 (**but must use process 2)
Assign labor to meet this volume.You have 25 total workers.
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So in this case, the correct answer would be to assign 11 to Carrier 1, 7 to Carrier 2, and 7 to Carrier 3. If the user chooses to do it differently, then the calculations will show them falling behind in one or more processes while running out of work in others.
Does that help?
Going along with that example, they could also make a decision which would affect the multiplier. For instance, they could find a way to increase or decrease the units per hour (rate), or the overall volume, or both.
It would potentially require quite a few triggers and variables, but this kind of math can be done with built-in Storyline functions.
What would you recommend? Have you done anything similar? Would it be easier to just do this in Excel with VB?
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