Simulating a BPM

You can simulate one or more business process diagrams by exporting each one of them to a SIMUL8 model, and running a simulation. You can analyze the simulation results, and use them to adjust simulation parameters. You can then re-import the simulated model in PowerDesigner to synchronize your changes with your BPM where you can create additional modeling objects.

• Exporting a BPM to SIMUL8
  You can export your BPM to SIMUL8 to run a simulation of your model, and analyze the results. When you export a BPM to SIMUL8, you generate one .XS8 file for each BPM diagram selected.
• Analyzing Results and Fine-Tuning the Simulation
  Simulating your BPM can provide you with information to answer "what if" questions regarding your system. You can analyze the simulation results in a variety of formats, and then open simulation objects property sheet to adjust your simulation parameters, and suggest improvements in your business process.
• Synchronizing SIMUL8 Changes Back to PowerDesigner
  Your BPM should be the basis of your modeling work. When you export your BPM to SIMUL8, you should only change simulation parameters in SIMUL8. If your simulation results lead you to create new work centers or resources, or to modify the control flow of your business process in another way, you should always perform these changes in PowerDesigner.
• Recovering a BPM from a SIMUL8 file
  You can recover a BPM from a SIMUL8 file by importing the SIMUL8 model, saved as an .XS8 file, into a new analysis BPM diagram. This can be because you no longer have the BPM used to generate the SIMUL8 model, or because you have a SIMUL8 model, and decide to perform your modeling work in PowerDesigner.