AnyLogic

Anylogic is excellent for simulation

Comments: We are using AnyLogic to model our cross docks and yard operations. I love using this software for this purpose. The support for modeling "pedestrian" like congestion/etc on our docks and yards is amazing. I know of no other simulation modeling environment that does this.

Pros:

AnyLogic is an incredibly flexible platform for creating very sophisticated simulation models. I love it's integration with the Java programming language. Also, I like how they separate the visualization from the logic of the modeling.

Cons:

To do all that AnyLogic does, it is an extremely complicated modeling tool. It takes a while to learn.

Expensive but also the best

Comments: I absolutely love this software. I was becoming jaded in academia until I was sent on a training to learn to use it and it's just so versatile that it makes me have faith in academia again because we don't all have to use one hammer and make everything a nail. It allows me to be creative and artistic in ways other packages don't, but it could use more ways for sure (such as in aligning text or objects more easily or better graphics).

Pros:

It's the most versatile of the software packages for systems modeling by a landslide. From the methods that can be implemented to the ability to connect or interface with other programs and tools, it is the complete package. Most others only focus on one tool or maybe two (such as most system dynamics software).

Cons:

Learning to code is very hard for it and they need better examples and more support. They also could really work on the graphics or at least ability for users to connect to make their own graphics. The price is so high that it's very hard for me as a junior academic to get someone to fund even the university edition and has always been an issue. I would absolutely love to be getting to use this tool more but the costs and time it takes for me to code as someone that's not trained in the field are costly.

Great software for Game research simulation

Comments: Very happy, looking forward to maintaining our simulations and further research in the future

Pros:

Great diversity of tools allowed different game design applications for multiplayer games to be simulated

Cons:

Tricky learning curve and not sure how to best progress and implement simulations

Multiple and powerful capability does not mean complexity and difficulty

Comments: I have tried using it to model service operations. Frankly, the experience has not gone smoothly.

Pros:

It combines multiple libraries for modelling systems using low level, mid-level and high level simulation modelling techniques. It support the production of hybrid models. Suitable for modelling both manufacturing and service operations.

Cons:

The Java codes. They make building models using Anylogic herculean and onerous. Incorporating java codes when building the smallest of models is frustrating. Training tutorials that explain how to use the software are near unavailable. The Help facility does not explain terms (functions, parameters, collections etc) clearly. Simply put, Anylogic is not for the basic user, neither is it user-friendly or suitable for non-programmers or users with minimal coding skills. It is difficult to learn or use. It is complex, arduous and laborious. Sometimes, some of the logic in some examples do not make sense.

Simulating in Higher Education

Pros:

We teach simulation for a short period and students need software that is powerful yet easy to use as a beginner (and we are talking very small Discrete Event Simulation). Besides the need to fill in some "programming code" (students' wording) to access elements in the simulation model, it is very well accepted by the students and they enjoy exploring the features. And even go further than I require for the assignment.

Cons:

It is like most other software: too many features and it feels a bit overwhelming to start. Would prefer (and might be even possible) if a feature could be deactivated or hidden to have the focus on the tools required to write a small model.