The Role of Discrete Event Simulation in Process Improvement

Here at Minitab, we believe that Discrete Event Simulation (DES) will become an increasingly important part of an overall process improvement toolkit.  Whether you run a simulation to plan or test a complex process, or you continuously leverage the power of DES via our digital twin solution, this technique will bring significant value to your organization and enable new and more powerful improvement opportunities.  

What is Discrete Event Simulation? 

Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is a method used to model the operation of a system as a sequence of discrete events. Each event occurs at a specific point in time and marks a change of state in the system. For instance, in a manufacturing process, an event could be the start or completion of a production task, the arrival of a new batch of raw materials, or the breakdown of machinery. 

In DES, the simulation clock jumps from one event to the next, rather than advancing in fixed increments of time. This allows for a more accurate and detailed representation of real-world systems where changes occur at specific moments rather than continuously. 

Why Discrete Event Simulation Should Be in Your Process Improvement Toolkit 

When it comes to process improvement, testing scenarios in a virtual environment is critical before implementing real-world changes. DES allows you to model systems and run experiments—whether you’re optimizing manufacturing, improving logistics, or testing new strategies. By utilizing this tool, you can better visualize and understand the dynamics at play, ensuring the most effective and informed decisions are made. 

It’s like flowcharts or value stream maps, but with the added power of real-time data and resource constraints, enabling you to represent processes as they actually function. Effectively, if you’re in the improvement business, shouldn’t you be using a tool to try or test these improvements (wherever possible) before actually implementing them? 

Common Use Cases for Discrete Event Simulation  

If you’re just getting started with DES, here are some typical use cases that will help you: 

• Manufacturing.  Use DES to optimize your production lines (including staffing needs), reduce overall time in system and manage inventory.  DES can also help with logistics and transportation of your product or to help improve the performance of your contact center. Other common use cases include identifying bottlenecks, validating capital expenditure, resource allocation, capacity planning, machine downtime, maintenance scheduling, and more.
  
  
• Logistics and Transportation.  Use DES to enhance supply chain efficiency, optimize routing, and manage fleet operations.
  
  
• Contact Centers and Customer Service.  Use DES to manage a complex contact center or improve response rates and staffing.  See how Simul8 helped Crimestoppers optimize their contact center. 
  
  
• Healthcare Services.  Use DES to improve your patient flow, reduce wait times and optimize staff and resource allocation. 
  
  
• Retail.  Use DES to improve customer service, manage staffing levels, and optimize store layouts.
   
• Service Industries.  Use DES to streamline service processes, manage appointments, and improve customer satisfaction. 
  
  
• Public Sector.  Use DES to simulate policies, create and test emergency response plans and deliver more efficient public services. 
  
  

Integrating Discrete Event Simulation into your process improvement initiatives empowers your organization to make evidence-based decisions, optimize operations, and achieve strategic objectives. Discover how Minitab and Simul8's Discrete Event Simulation can revolutionize your process improvement efforts.  

Sign up for a demo today.