Comparing Simulation Output Accuracy of Discrete Event and Agent Based Models: A Quantitive Approach

TL;DR

This study compares the output accuracy of discrete event and agent-based simulation models in human-centric retail systems, finding both approaches similarly effective for operational policy analysis.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative comparison of discrete event and agent-based models' accuracy in simulating human reactive behavior in retail operations.

Findings

Both models showed similar potential in supporting operational improvements.

Validation experiments demonstrated comparable output accuracy.

The study highlights the applicability of both modeling approaches in human-centric system analysis.

Abstract

In our research we investigate the output accuracy of discrete event simulation models and agent based simulation models when studying human centric complex systems. In this paper we focus on human reactive behaviour as it is possible in both modelling approaches to implement human reactive behaviour in the model by using standard methods. As a case study we have chosen the retail sector, and here in particular the operations of the fitting room in the women wear department of a large UK department store. In our case study we looked at ways of determining the efficiency of implementing new management policies for the fitting room operation through modelling the reactive behaviour of staff and customers of the department. First, we have carried out a validation experiment in which we compared the results from our models to the performance of the real system. This experiment also allowed us to establish differences in output accuracy between the two modelling methids. In a second step a multi-scenario experiment was carried out to study the behaviour of the models when they are used for the purpose of operational improvement. Overall we have found that for our case study example both discrete event simulation and agent based simulation have the same potential to support the investigation into the efficiency of implementing new management policies.