A Framework for Interactive Development of Simulation Models with Strategical–Tactical–Operational Layering Applied to the Logistics of Bulk Commodities

CONTEXT–Simulation modelling provides insight into hidden dynamics underlying business processes. However, an accurate understanding of operations is necessary for fidelity the model. This challenging because need to extract tacit nature operational knowledge and facilitate representation complex processes decision-making patterns that do not depend on classes, objects, instantiations. Commonly used industrial simulation, such as Arena®, does natively support object-oriented constructs available software development. OBJECTIVE–This paper proposes a method developing simulation models allow process-owners modellers jointly build series evolutionary improve conceptual validity executable computer APPROACH-Software Systems Engineering principles were adapted develop framework allows systematic transition from model, which multiple perspectives be simultaneously considered. The was applied logistics case study in bulk commodities distribution context. FINDINGS–The guided development set served scaffolds natural flow ideas language domain Arena® code. In doing so, modeller at strategic, tactical, levels developed validated ORIGINALITY—This work structuring models. use non-object-oriented constructs, making it applicable SIMAN-based languages packages Arena®.