Evaluation and Selection of Discrete-event Simulation Software for the Oil Industry

−− The selection of a Discrete Event Simulation Software (DESS) that best meets the needs of a given organization is not an easy task. The purpose of the present work was to develop a systematic approach, applicable to any industry, for the evaluation and selection of a suitable DESS. Based on similar approaches from different authors, this method adds 40 criteria and over 100 subcriteria, provided by the Systemic Quality Specification Model (SQMO+) for a comprehensive software evaluation. The method developed herein was specifically applied to the logistics area of the state owned Venezuelan Oil Company. Among 44 initial options, the application of the proposed methodology allowed the pre-selection of 4 suitable software that complied with the minimum technical requirements. Final ranking and selection was achieved through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis that lead to an objective and well supported purchase recommendation. Keywords−− Discrete-event, simulation, evaluation, selection, Oil Company, decision making.