AGENDA
Introduction to ARENA
Basic model blocks
Basic experiment elements 

INTRODUCTION TO ARENA
Graphically oriented simulation package
Toolbars
Project bar
Model Window
Flow chart view
Spreadsheet view

MODULES
Building blocks for models
Flowchart modules...
Model processes
Connected together
Drag into the flowchart view
Data modules
Define characteristics of model components
Select and edit in worksheet view

FLOWCHART MODULES
Low level modules
Great flexibility but harder to use
VB or C code
Blocks and elements
Higher level modules
Blocks and elements glued together
Less flexibility but easier to use
Advanced and basic processes
Do not use unless specifically directed to do so

BLOCK AND ELEMENTS
Blocks define the system process flow
Elements define system components 

FREQUENTLY USED BASIC BLOCKS
Entity related
Resource related
Statistics related 

BASIC ENTITY RELATED BLOCKS
Create…
Dispose… 

CREATE BLOCK
Generates entities
Determine
Batch size
Ist arrival
Time between arrivals
attributes 

DISPOSE BLOCK
Used to remove an entity from the system


RESOURCE RELATED BLOCKS
Queue…
Seize…
Delay…
Release …
QUEUE BLOCK
Waiting line for busy resources
Corresponding queues experiment element


SIEZE BLOCK
Used for having entities occupy resources 

DELAY BLOCK
Used by entities to hold resources until service time is completed 

RELEASE BLOCK
Used by entities to relinquish seized resource so entity can proceed through the model 

STATISTICS RELATED BLOCKS
Tally …
TALLY BLOCK
Records observational data
Time in the system for the entity 

FREQUENTLY USED ELEMENTS
Entity related…
Resource related…
System related…
Statistics related …
ENTITY RELATED ELEMENTS
Attributes

RESOURCE RELATED ELEMENTS
Resources
Queues 

 
SYSTEM RELATED ELEMENTS
Replicate 

 
STATISTICS RELATED ELEMENTS
Tallies
Dstats