POD: The structure of simulation software and model reuse

Summary form given only. In recent years, discrete event simulation (DES) has emerged as the key technology for the design and analysis of systems, both in manufacturing and services. We have developed a DES-methodology (POD) and a tool that enable the automatic creation of a POD script from a working simulation model and backwards. POD stands for Processes, Operations, and Data, to emphasize three key dimensions that differentiate DES systems from each other. It facilitates the generalization of models and the reuse of existing models for additional purposes with only minor changes, namely adjusting (copying, pasting, or deleting) the details of the POD script. Using different system components through copying and pasting of several generic components, then running and checking the system, deciding if to reject or retry the process, etc., enhances the learning process of the system and integrates naturally with its modeling.