Arena is a
discrete event simulation
A discrete-event simulation (DES) models the operation of a system as a ( discrete) sequence of events in time. Each event occurs at a particular instant in time and marks a change of state in the system. Between consecutive events, no change in t ...
and
automation
Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in processes, namely by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relationships, and related actions, as well as embodying those predeterminations in machines ...
software developed by Systems Modeling and acquired by
Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is an American provider of industrial automation whose brands include Allen-Bradley, FactoryTalk software and LifecycleIQ Services.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 ...
in 2000. It uses the SIMAN processor and simulation language. As of 2020, it is in version 16. It has been suggested that Arena may join other Rockwell software packages under the "FactoryTalk" brand.
In Arena, the user builds an experiment ''model'' by placing ''modules'' (boxes of different shapes) that represent processes or logic. Connector lines are used to join these modules together and to specify the flow of ''entities''. While modules have specific actions relative to entities, flow, and timing, the precise representation of each module and entity relative to real-life objects is subject to the modeler. Statistical data, such as cycle time and WIP (work in process) levels, can be recorded and made output as reports.
Arena can be integrated with Microsoft technologies. It includes
Visual Basic for Applications
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is an implementation of Microsoft's event-driven programming language Visual Basic 6.0 built into most desktop Microsoft Office applications. Although based on pre-.NET Visual Basic, which is no longer support ...
so models can be further automated if specific algorithms are needed. It also supports importing
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio ( ) (formerly Microsoft Office Visio) is a diagramming and vector graphics application and is part of the Microsoft Office family. The product was first introduced in 1992, made by the Shapeware Corporation, later renamed Visio ...
flowcharts, as well as reading from or sending output to
Excel
ExCeL London (an abbreviation for Exhibition Centre London) is an exhibition centre, international convention centre and former hospital in the Custom House area of Newham, East London. It is situated on a site on the northern quay of the ...
spreadsheets and
Access
Access may refer to:
Companies and organizations
* ACCESS (Australia), an Australian youth network
* Access (credit card), a former credit card in the United Kingdom
* Access Co., a Japanese software company
* Access Healthcare, an Indian BPO se ...
databases. Hosting
ActiveX control
ActiveX is a deprecated software framework created by Microsoft that adapts its earlier Component Object Model (COM) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technologies for content downloaded from a network, particularly from the World Wide Web. ...
s is also supported.
Uptake
Arena is used by companies engaged in simulating business processes. Some of these firms include
General Motors,
UPS,
IBM,
Nike
Nike often refers to:
* Nike (mythology), a Greek goddess who personifies victory
* Nike, Inc., a major American producer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment
Nike may also refer to:
People
* Nike (name), a surname and feminine give ...
,
Xerox
Xerox Holdings Corporation (; also known simply as Xerox) is an American corporation that sells print and electronic document, digital document products and services in more than 160 countries. Xerox is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut (ha ...
,
Lufthansa,
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (commonly known as Ford) is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobi ...
, and others. It has been noted that creating a simulation can require more time at the beginning of a project, but quicker installations and product optimizations can reduce overall project time.
Arena can simulate diverse operation types, including call centers, for optimizing the use of agents and phone lines, the size and routing of pancake stacks in a food processing facility,
and the design of a gold mine.
Commercial software editions
* Professional Edition – The flagship product. Systems, regardless of complexity, can be represented and custom performance metrics may be measured and tracked.
* Standard Edition – This mid-tier package has the versatility to solve simulation problems encountered in an array of industries and systems. This edition includes Basic Process, Advanced Transfer, and Advanced Process Arena templates.
* OptQuest – OptQuest provides optimization functionality within Arena.
Academic software editions
* Academic Lab Package – Academic version of the commercially available Enterprise Suite. This is 30-or more seat license is for academic, non-commercial usage. Universities that adopt the ''Simulation with Arena'' textbook are eligible for valuable offers and benefits.
* Research Edition – This is the same edition as the Academic Lab Package, with this version for individual academic researchers. The same academic guidelines are specified for observance.
* Student Edition – Free edition intended for students currently learning the software is included for download and/or included with many simulation textbooks. This version is perpetual, but limited in model size. This version is intended for academic, non-commercial usage. Universities that are using the software are eligible to make copies of the software to distribute to students for installation on their personal machines.
Further reading
Textbooks using Arena
* W. David Kelton, Randall P. Sadowski, Nancy B. Zupick, ''Simulation with Arena,'' 6th edition. (McGraw-Hill Professional, 2014).
* Altiok, Tayfur and Benjamin Melamed.''Simulation Modeling and Analysis with ARENA.'' Elsevier, Inc., 2007.
* Rossetti, Manuel D. ''Simulation Modeling with Arena.'' John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010.
SIMAN
* Sturrock, D.T., Pegden, C.D., Introduction to SIMAN, Simulation Conference, 1990. Proceedings., Winter
* C. Dennis Pegden, Robert E. Shannon, Randall P. Sadowski, Introduction to Simulation Using Siman, McGraw-Hill 1995
See also
*
List of computer simulation software
The following is a list of notable computer simulation software.
Free or open-source
* Advanced Simulation Library - open-source hardware accelerated multiphysics simulation software.
* ASCEND - open-source equation-based modelling environment ...
*
List of discrete event simulation software
This is a list of notable discrete-event simulation
A discrete-event simulation (DES) models the operation of a system as a ( discrete) sequence of events in time. Each event occurs at a particular instant in time and marks a change of state in t ...
*
Computer simulation
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arena (Software)
Simulation software