Using Resources

One of the advanced features in GoldSim is the ability to create and interact with Resources. A Resource Something that has a limited supply (e.g., spare parts, fuel, skilled personnel, money) and is required in order for elements of the modeled system to carry out certain actions. is something that has a limited supply (e.g., spare parts, fuel, skilled personnel, money) and is required in order for elements of the modeled system to carry out certain actions.

For example, in order for a manufacturing process to proceed, perhaps two different parts and a skilled operator must be available. This could be modeled by defining an Event Delay An event element that provides a mechanism for delaying a discrete event signal. (to represent the process) with three Resource requirements that must be met in order for the element to process the event.

Alternatively, in order for a project task to continue to operate, perhaps a certain amount of cash must be available. This could be modeled by defining a Conditional Container An element that acts like a "box" or a "folder" into which other elements can be placed. It can be used to create hierarchical models. (to represent the task) with a single Resource requirement (a spend rate) that must be met in order for the task to continue (i.e., for the Container to stay active).

Only certain elements in GoldSim can interact with Resources (two of these are mentioned in the examples above: an Event Delay and a Conditional Container). Elements can consume, borrow, and in some cases, generate Resources.

Using Resources involves three different steps:

• You must define a Resource Type (e.g., Gasoline, Electricians, Pump Motors) and specify its characteristics (discrete or continuous).
• You must specify where the Stores for that particular Resource exist in your model. Stores represent stockpiles or places where the actual Resource (e.g., parts, personnel) is stored or located when not being used. That is, Resource Stores can be thought of as having physical locations in the system you are modeling.
• You must specify how particular elements in the model interact with (consume, borrow from, or add to) the Resource Stores.

The topics below discuss the use of Resources in detail.

A simple example which illustrates the use of Resources (Resources.gsm) can be found in the General Examples folder of your GoldSim directory (accessed by selecting File | Open Example... from the main menu).