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Have you ever wanted to see how modifying staffing levels or work schedules would affect the length of time it takes to complete the work of your office? Have you ever wanted to see how closing one of six employee campus entrances would affect the flow of traffic before physically closing that entrance? Would it be helpful to see an animation of the evacuation of the whole Bethesda campus or a section of campus? A computer simulation can mimic all of these hypothetical situations before decisions are made to help identify and improve existing and potential problem areas or to even determine if the action is feasible.

A computer simulation is the technique of mirroring real world scenarios on a computer or a network of computers in order to evaluate the results. Computer simulation modeling (CSM) is an increasingly popular and growing discipline in both the private and public sectors. CSM can help in the design, creation and evaluation of simple and complex systems. Using Simio, a new innovative modeling software, Office of Quality Management (OQM) industrial engineers can upload existing data and create a top-down 2D or 3Dsimulated view of your work environment. At a minimum, 95% of the simulation work completed by OQM is done in house. To view examples of campus evacuation or visitor inspection simulations, visit: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/OD/OQM/cms/Pages/Computer-Modeling-and-Simulation-Projects.aspx.

OQM offers computer modeling and simulation services along with other survey planning and data analysis resources. OQM primarily services the Office of Research Services and the Office of Research Facilities but may be able to fill outside ICs’ needs by request if resources are available.

For more information regarding computer simulation services or any other OQM services please visit: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/OD/OQM/Pages/index.aspx or call (301) 402-3440.