Rockwell Automation Arena OptQuest Users Guide - Manual (Page 6)

A RENA O PT Q UEST U SER ’ S G UIDE
2
• •
•
•
•
The number of replications that Arena performs depends on the preferences you’ve
established in OptQuest. After each replication, OptQuest retrieves from Arena the value
of responses used in the objective function or constraint expression. This sequence is
repeated until the specified number of simulations is run or you stop the optimization.
After determining the outcome of the model with one set of control values, OptQuest uses
its search algorithm to establish a new set of values and repeats the simulation run
process. This sequence is repeated until the allotted time expires or you terminate the
optimization. When you exit OptQuest, Arena returns to the model edit state. Note that
because all of the changes to control variables occur after the simulation has been
initialized, the model retains the original values defined in Arena modules, unaffected by
the experimentation performed by OptQuest.
It’s important to remember that the control values for your optimization are established by
OptQuest at the beginning of the simulation run. If your model logic changes these values
during the run, you may be invalidating the optimization study. For example, consider a
situation where OptQuest has a control variable that can take values between 1 and 3. If
the Arena model assigns this variable during the run (e.g., to a value of 5), then for the
remainder of the run, Arena uses this newly assigned value, not the quantity passed to it
by OptQuest. For more information on this topic, see “Designing your model for optimi-
zation” on page 46.
Intended audience
OptQuest for Arena is designed for manufacturing or business process consultants and
analysts and industrial or systems engineers. It is typically deployed as an enterprise
business analysis and productivity tool.
We assume that you are familiar with the basic concepts and terms used in these types of
systems. You are interested in improving business or manufacturing productivity and are
responsible for evaluating and predicting the impact of proposed strategic and tactical
changes to help improve performance. A familiarity with computers and the Microsoft
®
Windows ® operating system is assumed. A familiarity with the concepts and terms used
in simulation is also helpful.
Not all application templates or user-defined templates are suitable for optimization using
OptQuest.
Where can I go for help?
Our commitment to your success starts with the suite of learning aids and assistance we
provide for Arena. Whether you’re new to simulation or a seasoned veteran putting a new
tool to use, you’ll quickly feel at home with the Arena product suite.