Operational Process Improvement using Simulation Simulation is a

• Simulation is a useful technique to have in your change tool kit.

Introduction This presentation gives you: • a brief introduction to the benefits of simulations

Simulation a Brief Introduction A computer simulation (or "sim") is an attempt to model

Simulation Introduction • We are focusing on using simulation for Process Improvement as an

Why Simulate Operations? Visualises operation Improve Performance & Productivity • It shows a ‘live’

Simulation Approach – A simple A&E Example 1. Create a Process Map… Walk in

Simulation Approach – A & E Example • Use the A & E Simulation

Simulation Approach 1. Define Problem Area and Purpose a) Define process model of As

Approach – Points to note for effective Simulation • Organisation to be modelled: •

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Operational & Process Improvement using Simulation

• Simulation is a useful technique to have in your change tool kit. • It helps you to make the right change decisions and plan for the future. 2

Introduction This presentation gives you: • a brief introduction to the benefits of simulations for operations, • how to approach simulation and some of its pitfalls. 3

Simulation a Brief Introduction A computer simulation (or "sim") is an attempt to model a real-life or hypothetical situation on a computer so that it can be studied to see how the system works. Service processes Games or Gamification (Driving or Flight Simulators, Popular Sim games series) Weather Scientific e. g. Chemical processes, Physics Simulation Areas Medical (surgery, mannequins) Economics Social Behaviour Networks Industrial & Manufacturing processes Simulations are used in many areas and there are different types of simulation 4

Simulation Introduction • We are focusing on using simulation for Process Improvement as an integrated part of a Business Transformation Approach. • Operational and Process simulations are useful in modelling the flow of transactions/entities through business processes/operation. • Many software tools support process modelling including some BPMN models. 5

Why Simulate Operations? Visualises operation Improve Performance & Productivity • It shows a ‘live’ and visual representation of the process • Analysing Cycle time • Identifying bottlenecks • Optimise resource utilisation Lower Cost Evaluation • Cheaper than real life by evaluating changes before investment Gain Insight to change effects • Experiment with new ideas before implementation • Make better decisions by comparing scenarios to consider all the possibilities • Understand where is the ‘tipping point’ Time Saver Safe • Run scenarios spanning months/years in seconds • Predict future performance by forecasting • Done in safety - It allows you simulate different scenarios risk free and quickly 6

Simulation Approach – A simple A&E Example 1. Create a Process Map… Walk in Arrival Doctor Triage Nurse Clerk Registration Emergency service arrival Nurse Cubicle Minor Treatment Triage Waiting Room Resus Cubicle Resus Treatment Clerk Admit to Hospital Admissions Discharge ER Bed Acute Treatment Sim u lat 2. Define Process Attributes (Data) ion Pro c Activity How long? Resources required? Input/Output Conditions Schedule hrs Queue Capacity Priority Wait times etc ess Resource 3. Bring to life with Visual Simulations # Available Shift pattern Costs etc 7

Simulation Approach – A & E Example • Use the A & E Simulation Model to see effects of changing the operation: Goals Change §Number beds available §Staffing levels/ratios §Arrival rates §Treatment times §Layout §Process (for example introducing a GP drop in center) §Reduce Waiting times §Improve patient flow §Improve staff utilisation §Reduce costs Simulation Aids Decision Making Simulation Models can be used in many operational areas: Integrated care network, A&E, Operating theatres, Hospital Usage/Bed Capacity, Referrals & Transfer, etc 8

Simulation Approach 1. Define Problem Area and Purpose a) Define process model of As Is Operation b) Understanding performance/variables c) Identify hot topics for simulation 2. Data Collection a) Gathering data b) Statistical analysis & data patterns 3. Simulation Modelling a) b) Simulation runs Change Scenarios & What Ifs 4. Reporting Results a) Knowledge b) Recommendations 9

Approach – Points to note for effective Simulation • Organisation to be modelled: • Requires a degree of organisational process maturity • A defined and stable process to model • Sufficient existing operational Data • People with skills in: • Process Modelling • Simulation tools • Statistical tools & Interpreting the data Optimising Managed Defined Repeatable Initial Use with Caution • Focus on process improvement • Processes are performance managed and controlled • Processes are documented and standards consistently applied • Processes are known and managed at unit levels • Processes unpredictable and uncontrolled • A Model is an abstraction of the real world complexities • Insufficient variability/Randomness • Different types of events/actions • Too many assumptions • Physical & Political impact of changes • Don’t Make it too Fragile, highly optimised without robustness or spare capacity. 10