ProModel Optimization Suite

Use in Wood Science teaching at Oregon State

Comments: I use the software to teach about process design and optimization in a college course. And the students love it - particularly now that it is so much easier to use than just a couple years ago. I'm happy to report that I will shift from a mere 2 lectures (and no assignments) using ProModel to 4 lectures and a homework assignment starting Winter term 2019.

Pros:

Online tutorials (these are examples I use in class), animation, the addition of undo (!), new interface, training I attended last year in Utah, extensive graphics library, and the user support.

Cons:

Can't think of much to say here - the lack of 'undo' and a familiar interface (yes, sorry, that means mimicking Windows...) were a challenge in years past. Not so now!

You don't need to be a Pro to Model with this software.

Pros:

First, an explanation. I recently retired from NASA, but I have also been teaching as an adjunct for Florida Tech and other schools for 30 or more years. The opinions I express are mine alone and do not reflect those of either NASA or Florida Tech. I teach a course every spring titled "Systems Analysis and Modeling". The course is taught at a Master's level as a survey course, covering everything from the concepts of SA, through a number of SA techniques, including modeling. As such, the course is "a mile wide and an inch deep". ProModel is very scalable, and I can easily use it to teach my students the concepts of modeling and have them develop simple problems with results that they can interpret. This is important to me, as I can only allocate about seven weeks of the course to this topic. ProModel also offers both a student version and a full-featured version with an expiration at the end of the term. I also admire the GUI of this tool. The GUI is very good as it helps my students understand what is happening as the models develop. I have also not found any situations where the newest version of the software is not backward compatible with stuff that was written 10 or more years ago. So what do I like? Scalable, great GUI, student versions with full compatibility, and easy-to-use to teach concepts as well as relate them to models (and the chance to bloviate about ProModel).

Cons:

I do not have any real concerns with ProModel.

Simple Simulation Software

Pros:

It is a relatively easy to use discrete-event simulation software package. The programming element allows for advanced functionality and feature manipulation to model complex processes. The scenario manager functionality is convenient when setting up and running large simulations.

Cons:

The graphics for this software are outdated compared to other products out there. The output viewer is not always reliable. It crashes when you have large amounts of data from multiple scenarios/replications. You do need to have some programming knowledge to fully utilize all the benefits the software has to offer.

Flexible general purpose simulation software with a wide range of applicability

Comments: ProModel's technical support for software issues or user help is incredibly responsive. In my experience, all calls are answered by a human on first try with resolution or advice being delivered on that call. Also, follow-up with specific examples on how to implement functionality is outstanding. Finally, the professional services organization of ProModel consultants are true experts in ProModel and simulation with deep experience in different industries and applications. Whether the ProModel consultant is working as a coach or developing a simulation on behalf of the customer, the support is professional and at an expert level.

Pros:

ProModel is a very flexible application with a wide range of functionality. One can develop a basic simulation of a simple process using easy o follow graphical interface. Also, one can develop a sophisticated simulation of a complex process or system using ProModel's built-in functionality enhanced by user-developed logic. In any case, ProModel is an incredibly valuable tool to analyze and understand process variability and complex interactions.

Cons:

With ProModel's flexibility comes many ways of modeling a specific situation. The biggest challenge is being able to evaluate the options, and to choose the most effective and efficient one.

ProModel Simulation Review

Comments: We use ProModel to look for slotting optimizations within our warehouse, focusing on picker efficiency and travel distance reduction.

Pros:

Fits very well with out operation of pickers picking in a warehouse. Lots of flexibility in outputs available.

Cons:

Inability to track certain metrics within the model.