Business process modeling with UKoSim

Abstract

Quick and accurate simulation of business processes is a key element of enterprise resource planning, costs calculation and overall decision making in business. In the article, a new tool for such simulations is presented and described. UKoSim (Unternehmen-Kosten-Simulation), based on Excel tables and VBA macros, provides users with an effective way to build supply and production chains (from purchasing materials to selling goods), as well as the possibility to evaluate, compare and adjust costs and revenues. A special emphasis is put on the assembling process, including resources allocation, the 3-stage "production tree" and working time optimization. Concurrently and in connection with the production process, warehouse activities are simulated, allowing users to model various internal delays and failures. Simple examples of enterprise models in UKoSim are provided.