Enterprise Architect gives you the ability to configure a BPSim simulation against a BPMN diagram. The BPSim capability offers the interested modeler and business strategist an unprecedented flexibility in assigning operational information to a model and then assessing the quality of the solution based on information received back from the Simulation engine.
This allows them to test ideas, identify optimal staffing ratios, experiment with probabilities, alter the timing and duration of events and eliminate bottlenecks, all before committing funds to project implementation.
The BPSim Execution Engine
To run a BPSim simulation with Enterprise Architect you will need an appropriate execution engine that can understand the BPSim standard. Sparx Systems has teamed up with Lanner (recognised as the world's leading business process simulation and optimisation organisation) to provide you with the MDG BPSim Execution Engine, which enables seamless integration between model, configuration, simulation and results.
Key Benefits of using BPSim:
- Experiment with project variables to identify an optimal solution
- Verify your expectations before committing funds to a project
- Manipulate triggers, events, resources and wait times to understand how they impact your business process
- Improve resource allocation and event timing
- Eliminate bottlenecks and identify critical success factors
Comparing Simulations to Enhance Decision Making
The Enterprise Architect Toolbox contains a Business Process Simulation artifact that can be used to configure your simulation. You have the ability to manage a range of variables including:
- Wait time
- Sequence flow
- Event probability
- and Resource allocation
This allows you to run multiple simulations of a business process, while altering variables that the business can control such as staffing resources or wait times.
This allows you to compare and contrast the results, helping you to identify factors that contribute to success or alternatively alert you to scenarios that may result in failure. Use the charts, reports and insight gathered from running a business process simulation to enhance decision making and ultimately improve the underlying business process model.
Simulation
The Business Process Simulator provides unprecedented flexibility to configure and control the assignment of simulation parameters from different perspectives, including control, time and resources. Automate every aspect of the execution, from the date and time at which the process takes effect through to the number of times the scenario as a whole will be repeated in an execution cycle.
Reporting
Understand how factors such as task duration or resource management may impact your underlying business model. Monitor a range of variables and observe how changes impact the success of the underlying business model.
Each simulation configuration can be saved as a separate artifact. Enterprise Architect can highlight variances between reports, making it easier to draw conclusions and make decisions. Solve real world problems, identify bottlenecks, enhance resource allocation, improve scheduling and improve business outcomes before committing funds to a project.
Charts and Graphs
Enterprise Architect uses charts and graphs to help visualize the results of various simulations. Report data can become input for a chart element. Compare and contrast the results from a base simulation and subsequent experiments.
Stakeholders can easily draw conclusions from the corresponding charts. Visualize data from multiple report sources and customize the appearance to meet your individual needs. Charts and graphs help aid decision making and can bring your data to life.
