Knowledge-based model construction for simulating information systems

Abstract

The process of constructing a correct simulation model for a system is a difficult and time-consuming task in the simulation life-cycle. Simulation is a widely used methodology for checking the performance requirements of information systems. This paper describes a knowledge-based approach to constructing a simulation model of an information system. The approach consists of two major steps: first, the information system is modeled as a Petri Net and implemented in a logic-based language. Second, the executable representation of the Petri Net is used to automatically construct a simulation model of the information system in GPSS. The approach offers several benefits such as reducing system development time, allowing the flexibility of easy modifications to the information system configuration, and requiring little knowledge of simulation methodology. The knowledge-based system is implemented in PROLOG.