Objective :
To design a Simulation Engine using Process Interaction Approach and build
applications.
Description :
Based on the process interaction approach explained in next section, design a
simulation engine. Assignment is divided into two parts as follows :
The simulation engine will be general purpose and should work for any relevant simulation problem.
Write three applications using this API. Applications are given in book
Able-Baker Call Center
Grocery Store Checkout Counter
Dump Trucks for Hauling Coal
Program should be well commented and all three applications should be in different files.
Process Interaction/Orientation :
Process is the life cycle of one entity. Analyst defines simulation model in terms of entities and their life cycles. These entities may use different resources from the system whose capabilities are limited. This causes these entities to interact with each other. For example, an entity forced in a queue because the required resource is busy with another entity. Thus process is time-sequenced list of events, activities and delays. Refer section 3.1.2 for details on this topic.
This process oriented view implies that engine must support separately schedulable threads for every user or customer or entity. Section 14.2.1 talks about how to use threading. Each thread will represent one entity. If one entity is using a resource and another wants to use the same, it should be put in queue until first one finishes. This requires thread to wait and then go further when resource is available.
Also read section 4.6 for a more background.