Simulation software selection ‘whys and hows’

Selection of appropriate simulation software is of considerable importance to any simulation practitioner. As simulation packages grow in quantity and quality, their complexity and the variety of application areas make it more and more difficult to choose one. The need for a methodological approach to this problem using appropriate tools and evaluation techniques is apparent. This paper investigates why the selection of simulation software is important and goes through a selection process step by step, discussing the techniques and tools used for selection. The method is intended to result in an updatable database containing the criteria concerning simulation packages to be used in a selection process for various application areas.