Simulation101 - my Blog

2024 wrapped

2024 was a fantastic year. Let's review some statistics

Agentify your GIS-map elements

Learn how you can turn your (passive) GIS-map routes and points into actual agents. This allows you to click routes, highlight them, track KPIs (traffic, ...) and animate them based on usage.

Omniverse, usd and what it means for AnyLogic modelling

AnyLogic can now export and run models in NVidia Omniverse. Let's explore when this adds value and when ... not.

Which AnyLogic training is right for you?

There is a huge buffet of training resources out there. Which one is for you?

If Steve Jobs had built simulation models

We all know the quirks and principles that Steve Jobs pushed for. But recently, I realized: these are actually also quite valuable for simulation modelers. Let's explore...

Taking control of your network - Agent-based pathfinding

AnyLogic networks are quite powerful out of the box. However, you can take it even further by turning the entire network into agents themselves, giving you full power on path-finding, statistics and network usage.

An overview of the AnyLogic community: How to get the most from it

Learn what community resources are available for AnyLogic users to get help, ask questions and learn within the AnyLogic community. There are several places waiting for you, each with different purposes. Learn how to get the most out of your learning journey.

Google Maps 3D photogrammetry is now possible in AnyLogic

You can actually load and display the 3D photogrammetry that you see on Google Maps into AnyLogic. It is not entirely straightforward. So follow the steps here to spcie up your model.

How to win at AnyLogic on StackOverflow

Using StackOverflow can make or break you. Done right, you can supercharge your learning and solve issues in no time. But it is just as easy to never get any replies, questions being closed, etc. Learn how to make it work for you with these tips.

reinforcement-learning

How to build a Reinforcement-Learning model in AnyLogic

Reinforcement-learning is an AI technique to get agents to learn optimal behaviors. While there are tons of black-box libraries out there, lets explore how to build an RL model from scratch in AnyLogic. This way, we can truly understand what happens "under the hood"

road traffic library

AnyLogic road traffic library: Priority to the right

In this article, our newest guest author Mohammad Hasan Namdari shows some tricks and points of using AnyLogic Road Traffic Library. He applies it regularly in his research work in Iran. You can find the same article directly on LinkedIn here as well, if you prefer. Mohammad, take it away... :-)

AI, Silicon Valley and the future of simulation

Observations from visiting the McKinsey AI day in San Francisco, meeting legends such as Marissa May and Jeremy Howard.

reinforcement-learning

Time to marry simulation models with machine learning

How can modern machine-learning techniques benefit simulation models? Let's explore...

AnyLogic agent links: A hidden gem for your connections

Explore an under-used but powerful feature of AnyLogic: easy connections management between all your agents.

We (likely) don't live in a simulation, Elon Musk!

Are we living in a simulation, as Elon Musk claims? Let's see what a simulation modeler has to say. (i.e. me)

Simplifying shape file use in AnyLogic

First guest post of Brian van Vuuren on how to create and load custom GIS objects from shape files.

Hybrid simulation? It's the wrong question

I reply to a blog post by Frances Sneddon asking the question if hybrid simulation is adding value or just a passing craze. I think, it is the wrong question and wonder why it is being asked at all. We should all live in a paradigm-free modelling world by now :-)

The second-sexiest job of the 21st century

Let's explore some ideas on how the 2nd sexiest job of the 21st century can be useful for the sexiest: Data Scientists.

What if the "Big Data Analytics" hype were about agent-based modelling?

How would the world of business look today if agent-based modelling would have become big a few years ago, just like Big Data & Analytics did? A theoretical play with some insight for how Analytics should be used in operations & manufacturing today.

road traffic library

How to get pedestrians and road-traffic to like each other in AnyLogic

You might be part of the 99% (or whatever the studies say) that think they are great car drivers. Well, I am not. In fact, my driving is appalling and so is my skillset as a pedestrian. I can tell because I change my behaviour drastically whenever I am around with my young daughter. Trying to teach her how cars and pedestrians should interact is pretty much what we will look at today in AnyLogic. How can we get drivers and pedestrians to be nice to each other in our little virtual crossroads we created last week?

road traffic library

Doing good... with the AnyLogic road traffic library

Let's explore the AnyLogic road traffic library and understand its foundations. We will use it to investigate the high level of incidents in my local village.

Is Analytics missing out on simulation?

Big question, big topic. Is it possible that a certain part of Analytics currently passes by on an important topic altogether? Join the discussion, I am keen to hear what you think.

A tiered interaction approach to AnyLogic animation

This week, guest editor Justin Rawlings ties together his previous two posts (see "Build your own level-up button" and "Dynamic animation tweaks") to create an integrated interaction system for your models. He came up with an ingenious way to handle agent animation using state charts and honestly, this is a really cool idea.

Dynamic animation tweaks for AnyLogic

This week, guest author Justin Rawlings continues his series on improving AnyLogic animation. First, he will show us how to use Java animation layers and always keep visible what the user wants to see. Then, he applies this to the cool AnyLogic connections tool for visualizing agent links better. Next week, he will tie it all together, stay tuned :-)

Build your own "Level up" button in AnyLogic

Guest editor Justin Rawlings explores a custom way to navigate through your model by using the programmatic features of view area objects.

AnyLogic user interface 4 - the view area

The view area object in AnyLogic is a useful little helper for that. Build-in support allows you to jump around any part of your model. You can also apply a bit of coding and access the full power of the view area. Make your client happy and give your mouse a break.

How to set up intuitive model navigation in AnyLogic

Check out two neat tricks to improve your model user interface: an interface ribbon and a way to check out every agent directly.

The magic lightbulb and how it can help your AnyLogic modelling

Get to know a little AnyLogic helper that can improve your models massively: the shy lightbulb.

Better model UI: The experiment screen

In our second post on improving your model UI, we look at practical steps to improve the experiment setup screen.

Awesome AnyLogic user interfaces - vol. 1

The first part of a min-series on improving user interfaces in simulation models. Focusses on some general principles for a start.

How LEGO helps me explain what I do

Do you struggle explaining your work? What do you tell people when they ask? Or is that easy for you but the challenge is to hook potential clients or improve your simulation consulting skills? I found a really useful tool to all of these questions…

What the Nobel price in economics means for agent-based simulation

The recent Nobel laureate in Economics has a lot to say for simulation practitioners. Find out how agent-based models just wait for his inputs.

How I became an AnyLogic expert... and you can too

Do you wonder if a career in simulation consulting is for you? Do you want to advance from where you are? From my own journey, learn what to avoid and what to pursue to become an expert in simulation.

Do you test your model? Improve it with this one simple function

You are testing your model, right? Great! Let me show you how increase your testing efficiency, make your model code look elegant and even enable your clients take advantage of your testing.

How to pass on good modelling? Remember ... chicken

How do you make sure the next generation of modellers acquires good modelling practices? How can you pass on modelling experience to your peers? Turns out, chicken can be very helpful…

Three timeless simulation lessons from your forefathers

Welcome to this very first blog post. It is an introduction and details what the blog will be about and what will be covered during the first few weeks.

How to draw better charts in AnyLogic

Learn how to supercharge AnyLogic charts by creating your own. Use AnyLogic objects in new ways to create individual and creative pieces of information.

When to use action charts or functions in AnyLogic

When should you use Action Charts instead of Functions when creating algorithms in AnyLogic? Lets explore the pitfalls and advantages of Action Charts.

Why more places should be like airports

The public space could learn a lot from modern airports. Four lessons from my latest Heathrow Terminal 2 visit.

What is a (simulation) conference all about?

What are conferences all about? Content or making contact to other people? Some advice for keeping your focus clear.

AnyLogic 7.2 - honest review of game-changing features

This week, I review the latest beta release of the simulation software AnyLogic. New features are checked against their long-term impact on modelling work. Two are real game-changers, I think :-)

Modeller Bill of Rights

Seven initial steps to get your simulation model right

Follow these steps before even touching your modelling program to ensure success. It is all about planning...

Modeller Bill of Rights

Messenger of bad news? Avoid being shot

Avoid being shot as the messenger of bad news with four simple steps.

Modeller Bill of Rights

Stayingagile: the magic of regular meetings

How can we stay agile during simulation modelling? Let’s take a brief look at timely review and feedback this week.

Modeller Bill of Rights

Agility costs: how to tell your clients

Agility is a useful tool in simulation modelling. However, each change request by a client should be scrutinized using a strategy. Let's explore one in more detail...

Modeller Bill of Rights

The limits of simulation: Does your client know?

Simulations are not Swiss army knives. Does your client know? Let’s take a brief look at reasonable expectations of stakeholders this week.

Modeller Bill of Rights

How to shield yourself from bureaucracy as a consultant

It is impossible to escape politics and bureaucracy when you work for a client. In this fourth part of our series on best modelling practices, we look at the issue of management support. How can you shield your project and yourself to deliver effective work?

Modeller Bill of Rights

Data doesn't have to be big to cause trouble

In the third part of our series on best modelling practices, we look at the issue of timely data. How can you best plan out your data journey with your client right from the start and what do you do when things change or data turns out to be out of reach?

Modeller Bill of Rights

Stakeholder participation

In this second part of our series on best modelling practices, we look at the issue of stakeholder participation. A brief definition helps us to focus on how you can help your clients help you...

Modeller Bill of Rights

Clear objectives

In this first part of our series on modelling best practice, we look at Clear objectives as a fundamental pillar of success. We investigate how precise formulation and ongoing focus on objectives can avoid problems.

Introduction to Simulation101

Welcome to this very first blog post. It is an introduction and details what the blog will be about and what will be covered during the first few weeks.

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