Recent developments in simulation modelling

Current trends in simulation software development are towards the automation of the modelling process. Some systems provide a method of specifying the problem so that a computer program can be automatically generated. Other systems provide a generic framework for a particular class of modelling problem that can be input as data to the system. Examples of the latter are flexible manufacturing systems simulations. Most current developments ae colour-graphics-aided in one form or another. Computer advances in hardware and software are emerging through better user interfaces, more power and lower costs. The major benefit is an increasing customer involvement in the modelling process. An overview of these developments and future directions are given in this paper.