1. Operational & Process Improvement using Simulation
Process simulation can be a useful tool in operational and process improvement. This presentation gives a brief introduction to the benefits of simulations, how to approach it and some of its pitfalls.

2. Simulation is a useful technique to have in your change tool kit.
It helps you to make the right change decisions and plan for the future.

3. Introduction This presentation gives you:
a brief introduction to the benefits of simulations for operations,
how to approach simulation and some of its pitfalls.

4. Simulation a Brief Introduction
A computer simulation (or "sim") is an attempt to model a real-life or hypothetical situation on a computer so that it can be studied to see how the system works.
Games or Gamification (Driving or Flight Simulators, Popular Sim games series)
Weather
Service processes
Scientific e.g. Chemical processes, Physics
Simulation Areas
Medical (surgery, mannequins)
Economics
Social Behaviour
Industrial & Manufacturing processes
Networks
Simulations are used in many areas and there are different types of simulation

5. Simulation Introduction
We are focusing on using simulation for Process Improvement as an integrated part of a Business Transformation Approach.
Operational and Process simulations are useful in modelling the flow of transactions/entities through business processes/operation.
Many software tools support process modelling including some BPMN models.

6. Why Simulate Operations?
It shows a ‘live’ and visual representation of the process
Visualises operation
Analysing Cycle time
Identifying bottlenecks
Optimise resource utilisation
Improve Performance & Productivity
Cheaper than real life by evaluating changes before investment
Lower Cost Evaluation
Experiment with new ideas before implementation
Make better decisions by comparing scenarios to consider all the possibilities
Understand where is the ‘tipping point’
Gain Insight to change effects
Run scenarios spanning months/years in seconds
Predict future performance by forecasting
Time Saver
Done in safety - It allows you simulate different scenarios risk free and quickly
Safe

7. Simulation Approach – A simple A&E Example
Simulation Process
Simulation Approach – A simple A&E Example
Doctor
Nurse
1. Create a Process Map…
Resus Treatment
Resus Cubicle
Triage Nurse
Clerk
Walk in Arrival
Clerk
Admit to Hospital
Minor Treatment
Nurse Cubicle
Admissions
Registration
Waiting Room
Triage
Emergency service arrival
Discharge
Acute Treatment
ER Bed
2. Define Process Attributes (Data)
Activity
How long?
Resources required?
Input/Output Conditions
Schedule hrs
Queue
Capacity
Priority
Wait times
etc
3. Bring to life with Visual Simulations
Resource
# Available
Shift pattern
Costs
etc

8. Simulation Approach – A & E Example
Use the A & E Simulation Model to see effects of changing the operation:
Change
Number beds available
Staffing levels/ratios
Arrival rates
Treatment times
Layout
Process (for example introducing a GP drop in center)
Goals
Reduce Waiting times
Improve patient flow
Improve staff utilisation
Reduce costs
Simulation Aids Decision Making
Lean and Six Sigma principles also can apply. Look at reducing errors, and also travel times between stations (locations), repeats etc.
Can also be used for future planning by forecasting and modelling demand growth over a period of time.
Simulation Models can be used in many operational areas:
Integrated care network, A&E, Operating theatres, Hospital Usage/Bed Capacity, Referrals & Transfer, etc

9. Simulation Approach Define Problem Area and Purpose Data Collection
Define process model of As Is Operation
Understanding performance/variables
Identify hot topics for simulation
Data Collection
Gathering data
Statistical analysis & data patterns
Simulation Modelling
Simulation runs
Change Scenarios & What Ifs
Reporting Results
Knowledge
Recommendations

10. Approach – Points to note for effective Simulation
Organisation to be modelled:
Requires a degree of organisational process maturity
A defined and stable process to model
Sufficient existing operational Data
People with skills in:
Process Modelling
Simulation tools
Statistical tools & Interpreting the data
Focus on process improvement
Optimising
Processes are performance managed and controlled
Managed
Processes are documented and standards consistently applied
Defined
Processes are known and managed at unit levels
Repeatable
Processes unpredictable and uncontrolled
Initial
Use with Caution
A Model is an abstraction of the real world complexities
Insufficient variability/Randomness
Different types of events/actions
Too many assumptions
Physical & Political impact of changes
Don’t Make it too Fragile, highly optimised without robustness or spare capacity.
Use simulations with caution. Real world is different more variable, if your model assumptions are not reflecting reality then results cannot be trusted.
For example: if you model a person to process 1000’s of transactions a minute, this may be an unrealistic expectation, unless you’ve got superpowers. Set parameters with realistic expectations.
Simulation modelling does require a degree of specialist knowledge in statistical techniques and modelling tools.