What is Arena?

We will now look at the Arena simulation software, practical session 1.

Arena is a simulation software product that provides an integrated framework for building simulation models in a wide variety of applications. The functions needed for simulation include:

• Modelling
• Animation
• Model verification
• Analysis of inputs and outputs data
• Results of analysis

Arena can be used to model any system within the manufacturing or service industries. Examples include:

• Logistics operations, such as warehousing and transportation
• Banks and ATMs
• Vehicle planning and scheduling
• Supply chain
• Business process (eg insurance office, call centre)

Benefits of Arena

Arena allows the analysis of the current system, which helps with capital investment decisions and improves decision-making with minimal cost. It allows you to identify system constraints and limitations and the reasons behind specific system conditions. It helps you to think of the ‘what if’ scenarios and provides system-specific quantities to measure performance.

Here’s a short video on the Arena software simulation.

Your task

To take part in the practical exercises in this program, you will need to download a free student version of Arena from the official Rockwell Automation website.

Once downloaded, play around with the functions to get familiar with how the software can be used to address critical business issues quickly and easily. We will then explore the different functions in detail.

If you haven’t already, please review the system requirements.