GoldSim Winter 2010 Newsletter

	Winter 2010
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	GoldSim News
	Whats Cooking
	Modeler's Corner
	Tips and Tricks
	Model Library

Reference array items: GoldSim 10.1 has enhanced data array addressing. If you have a vector called Data1 and a scalar variable X, Data1[X] returns the X-th entry of the Data1 vector for named array labels and the value corresponding with the index for indexed array labels.

This functionality extends to matrices as well. If you have a 3 by 4 matrix called Data2 and scalar values X and Y, Data2[X,Y] returns the X-th row, Y-th column entry of Data2 for named array label sets and the value located at the intersection of the indexes equal to X and Y for indexed array label sets. If you’d like to retrieve an entire row or column you can use * as a wildcard. For instance, Data2[X,*] returns the X-th row of Data2.

The GoldSim Model Library allows GoldSim users to build on the experience and knowledge of others by sharing models. The Library is available from within the GoldSim Resource Center (GRC).

New models that have recently been added include:

Model 81: Simulating an ATM queue using Resources: This model demonstrates a simple ATM machine simulation using an Event Delay element and the new Resource functionality included in GoldSim 10.1.

Model 80: Espresso Machine Purchase Decisions: This model is an example of a stochastic decision tree that helps you make yes or no decisions.

If you have a model that you think would be worth posting to the library, please send it, along with a description, to support@goldsim.com.

Winter 2010 GoldSim Newsletter

GoldSim's mission is to help you make better decisions in an uncertain world by providing state-of-the-art software, training and expert consulting. Our GoldSim simulation software package provides the power, flexibility, and usability to efficiently simulate and understand the future behavior of complex systems in business, engineering, and science.

Since this newsletter is for you, we encourage you to share your comments and contributions with us. Please email your thoughts to support@goldsim.com.

GoldSim News

GoldSim Version 10.1 Released

GoldSim Version 10.1 is finally here! The new version includes a number of powerful new features. These include:

A new feature called Resources. A Resource is something that has a limited supply (e.g., spare parts, fuel, skilled personnel, money) and is required in order for elements of the modeled system to carry out certain actions.

Significant modifications to the Time Series element, including the ability to randomly sample and time shift historic data records, import time histories from other models, and manage multiple time series data sets in a single element.

Significant enhancements to array processing functions.

Modifications to the Allocator element to allow for alternative approaches for handling equal priorities (you can now either share equally or share proportionally to the demands).

Improvements to the Discrete Change Delay element to better support modeling discrete processes (e.g., referencing the signal’s attribute when defining the delay time).

Improved command line options to support batch processing

In previous versions of GoldSim, if you modified the graphical properties of the influences connecting elements (e.g., changed the shape or color) and then copied and pasted (or moved) the Container in which those influences were located, the graphical properties were lost. In GoldSim 10.1, these properties are preserved in the new (pasted) Container.

Several significant new features and modifications in the Reliability and Contaminant Transport Modules.

A complete list of changes can be found in the Summary Document. It is strongly recommended that you read this document to get a quick introduction to the new features.

All current members of the GoldSim Subscription Program can download the GoldSim Version 10.1 installation file from the GoldSim Resource Center (GRC).

GoldSim Webinar: Introduction to GoldSim Version 10.1

We invite you to an Introduction to GoldSim Version 10.1 webinar on 3 February 2010 at 2PM PST (-8 hours GMT). We will discuss the major new features in GoldSim 10.1. This webinar is a great way to see how you might take advantage of the new features in GoldSim 10.1 in your own models. Click here to send an email to us to receive an invitation. Depending upon the response, a second time may be added to better accommodate attendees for whom this time is inconvenient. Send us a note and we'll let you know!

GoldSim is Hiring Simulation Specialists

GoldSim is looking for both staff-level and senior simulation specialists. Working for the GoldSim Technology Group offers the excitement and challenge of working for a small company that is stable, profitable, and has a growing customer and client base. Our culture rewards exceptional individuals who work well with others, who seek out responsibility and personal accountability, and who are comfortable with lively debate on topics ranging from software design to marketing strategies.

Click here to view our open positions.

What's Cooking

Beyond GoldSim Version 10.1

The ink has not even dried on GoldSim 10.1, and we are already hard at work on our next release. Here are some of the things that we will be working on in 2010:

Modifications to enhance GoldSim to better support high performance computations and the manipulation of large, multi-dimensional arrays.

GoldSim Components (User-Defined Elements). This feature will allow users to create a complex model in a Container, and then "encapsulate" the Container by converting it into a "component". Encapsulation involves locking the Container so that no one can look inside at all (without a password), and building a custom user-interface for the Container (listing inputs and outputs). An encapsulated Container will effectively be a custom element that can be reused and distributed.

Addition of scenario management capabilities to make it easier to compare and contrast results for alternate scenarios, approaches and sites.

Modeler’s Corner

An Introduction to Resources

GoldSim Version 10.1 includes a powerful new feature called Resources which can be used to model stocks of items and material that are required for elements to operate or carry out certain actions. This new feature enables you to easily keep track of things like money, equipment, spares and personnel that are needed for various operations. In this Modeler’s Corner, we’ll take a look at a model that uses some basic Resource functionality.