Object-Oriented Design of Output Analysis Tools for Simulation Languages

Contrary to the importance given to simulation modeling, output analysis has seen little implementation effort. Most of the simulation systems and programs have very primitive forms of output analysis facilities. This might result in either statistically insignificant results, if the analyst does not have correct assumptions about the system and uses a very simple output analysis method, or it can discourage the analyst from using the methods because it will be very hard to use them without ready computer help. This paper analyzes the output analysis methods in literature and reports ways to include them in simulation environments. A generic object-oriented design for output analysis methods is also described. A critical comparison of object-oriented and traditional methods is included.