Simulation and the Micro

AbstractSimulation is established as a proven and effective aid to decision-making in business and industry, providing a means of investigation where to experiment on the `real world' would be costly or disruptive. This paper first traces the pioneering developments carried out in simulation by a B.S.C. O.R. team, in particular in: - simulation packages, making model construction sounder and easier,- the use of visual displays to communicate model behaviour as a simulation run progresses,- interactive simulation (`gaming'), involving operational personnel, such as line management and planners, in the simulation process. The paper goes on to describe how the advent of the microprocessor, in desk-top computers and colour graphics, has enabled more power and flexibility to be brought to these areas. It also discusses the further benefits arising from the use of micros in simulation and identifies for comparison the benefits of using a mainframe or mini-computer. The paper also describes how the early development areas have culminated in the FORSSIGHT computer-aided decision-making package.