Module sim::output_analysis

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The output analysis module provides standard statistical analysis tools for analyzing simulation outputs. Independent, identically-distributed (IID) samples are analyzed with the IndependentSample. Time series (including those with initialization bias and autocorrelation) can be analyzed with TerminatingSimulationOutput or SteadyStateOutput.

Modules

Structs

  • The confidence interval provides an upper and lower estimate on a given output, whether that output is an independent, identically-distributed sample or time series data.
  • The independent sample is for independent, identically-distributed (IID) samples, or where treating the data as an IID sample is determined to be reasonable. Typically, this will be non-time series data - no autocorrelation. There are no additional requirements on the data beyond being IID. For example, there are no normality assumptions. The TerminatingSimulationOutput or SteadyStateOutput structs are available for non-IID output analysis.
  • Steady-state simulations are useful when the initial conditions and/or final conditions of a simulation are not well-known or not of interest. Steady-state simulation is interested in the long-run behavior of the system, where initial condition effects are negligible. Steady-state simulation analysis is primarily concerned with initialization bias (bias caused by setting initial conditions of the simulation) and auto-correlation (the tendency of a data point in a time series to show correlation with the latest, previous values in that time series). When the interest is a steady-state simulation output, standard simulation design suggests the use of only a single simulation replication.
  • Terminating simulations are useful when the initial and final conditions of a simulation are known, and set deliberately to match real world conditions. For example, a simulation spanning a 9:00 to 17:00 work day might use the terminating simulation approach to simulation experiments and analysis. These initial and final conditions are known and of interest.