The article analyses the issues of the simulation models application in the large systems management. The background of the issue, specifically, the gradual increase of the models application domain in the management, is described. Quite successful results of the simulation models application in the strategic management of complex systems in different branches are noticed, for example, the works described in [6, 7]. It is mentioned that quite long execution time of most simulation models make it difficult to use them in the operational management, especially for complex systems. The possible solutions of this problem related to the synergy of multiple factors, primarily the emergence of the fundamentally new computational capabilities, use of contemporary concepts of simulation investigations, a combination of the simulation modeling with the multi-factor optimization, the use of the model as a solver, are proposed. The ability to conduct optimizing experiments with the model allows to find and recommend the best ways of the system development. The effectiveness of the simulation experiments application is shown in this article for the optimal planning of the oil refining company output. The technique of the optimal solution finding in the modeling environment by means of the connection of the IOSO multiparameter optimization software to the GPSS Studio modeling environment was successfully tested. Based on the results of the work, it was concluded that in the future the technique of optimal solution finding will allow use of the simulation model as an automatic “intellectual solver” in automatic production planning processes. The analysis and estimations performed showed that the integrated use of all new possibilities ensures the synchronization of the model execution time and the required time bounds of the management solution production. The conclusion about the beginning of active use of the simulation modeling method for the complex systems operational control is made.
Key words
simulation modeling, GPSS Studio, control, optimization and simulation approach, solver