Manage resources

To get the most out of your simulation, it’s essential to accurately model resource usage and costs.

By defining the number of resources required to perform a task, you can simulate the real-world consumption of resources during process execution, enabling more realistic simulations and better decision-making.

By setting fixed and unit costs for each resource, you can capture a more complete view of the financial impact, helping to optimize resource allocation and understand the overall cost structure of your processes.

The Definitions pane lists the resources you added and assigned while mapping the process. It’s where you set the total quantity of each resource that will be available throughout the entire process, ensuring that you have the necessary resources in place for allocation during task execution. It’s also where you define fixed and unit costs for each resource.

The Parameters pane is where you allocate resources to specific tasks within your process. Here, you define how many resources are required for each individual task.

Define available resource quantities

Specify the total number of units for each resource that will be available for allocation across the entire process.

You can define a default value and associate a specific number of resources to a calendar.

Quantities are expressed as a positive whole number.

1. In the Definitions pane, in Resources, select a resource.

2. In the dialog box that opens, in Quantities, click and select Add default value or associate the resource with a calendar.

3. Click the current setting and enter the quantity.

Define the number of required resources for a task

Allocate the specific number of resources required for each task. By setting the exact quantity needed, you ensure that your simulation accurately reflects the resource demands of each task.

Quantities are expressed as a positive whole number.

1. Select a task.

2. In the Parameters pane, in Resource needs, click the current setting.

3. In the dialog box that opens, click the current setting and enter the quantity.

   Make sure the quantity doesn’t exceed the total number of available resources.

Set the fixed cost for resources

Fixed costs represent one-time expenses that are incurred each time a resource is used, regardless of how long the resource is used. For example, a setup fee for equipment or a flat overhead cost associated with using a particular resource.

You can set a default value or associate resource costs with a calendar.

You set the base unit of currency in the simulation settings pane.

1. In the Definitions pane, select the resource.

2. In the dialog box that opens, in Fixed costs, click and select Add default value or add a value to a calendar.

3. To set the parameter value, click the current setting.

4. In the dialog box that opens, select the type of fixed cost and set a value.

   Type	Description
   Fixed	Specify the value as a real number.
   Distribution	Every distribution has its own specific parameters. Select the distribution that best serves your purpose.

Set unit costs for resources

Unit costs are ongoing expenses that fluctuate depending on how long a resource is used. For example, the cost could be calculated per hour of labor for a staff member or per unit of material consumed during resource utilization.

You can set a default value or associate resource costs with a calendar.

You set the base unit of currency in the simulation settings pane.

1. In the Definitions pane, select the resource.

2. In the dialog box that opens, in Unit costs, click and select Add default value or add a value to a calendar.

3. To set the parameter value, click the current setting.

4. In the dialog box that opens, select the type of unit cost and set a value.

   Type	Description
   Fixed	Specify the value as a real number and the time unit (per millisecond, second, minute, hour or per day).
   Distribution	Every distribution has its own specific parameters. Select the distribution that best serves your purpose.

Edit a parameter

1. Select the element.

2. In the Parameters pane, select the current setting.

3. In the dialog box that opens, make your edits.

4. Click to close and save.

Remove a parameter

• In the Parameters pane, click next to the parameter you want to remove.