tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480423593853746197.post308328456317054143..comments2023-08-13T07:15:24.255-07:00Comments on All Things Simulation and ExtendSim: Begin by Modeling the DataDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059882340112097158noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480423593853746197.post-49244696207927259422009-12-21T15:32:16.021-08:002009-12-21T15:32:16.021-08:00In general I agree that knowing the data structure...In general I agree that knowing the data structure is paramount to designing an elegant (and therefore testable) model. But when you are wrapping your head around a new problem, you may not even know what data you would like to use (it may be more or less than the data you already have.)<br /><br />So sometimes cobbling a model together by dropping blocks down is a good way to create a PRELIMINARY model. This helps you understand what the design issues are, and therefore what data is important to use.<br /><br />THEN you throw away that model, start a NEW model using the essential data structures, and proceed as Dave outlines above. I've written all different kinds of software, and planning for my first attempt to be a disposable prototype gives me a tool to understand the design issues, which then gives me the expertise to do it right the SECOND time.Stephen Higgins (Systemflow Simulations)http://www.systemflow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6480423593853746197.post-39378750770182794672009-11-11T05:17:51.492-08:002009-11-11T05:17:51.492-08:00This is excellent advice! Understanding the data i...This is excellent advice! Understanding the data is crucial to the success of the model. A bit of forethought about how all the data fits together and what data you need out of the model to make your decisions will pay dividends.<br /><br />Building a model with scalablity and resuability is definitely a mindset and learned through practice, and usually comes as an "a-ha" momment (for example, when the first email to change your really big complex model arrives in your inbox.)Scott J Buryhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjburynoreply@blogger.com