Reliability Elements and Resources

In this example, there are three machines whose reliabilities are simulated using RL elements. When those machines fail, they require two things to be repaired: a spare and a technician. Both of them are defined as resources in this model and whenever machines fail the availability of these two resources are checked. If either one of resources are unavailable the repair has to be delayed until they become available. The plot of results below is most useful when individual realizations are viewed.

One of the advanced features in GoldSim is the ability to create and interact with Resources. A Resource is something that has a limited supply (e.g., spare parts, fuel, skilled personnel, money) and is required in order for elements of the modeled system to carry out certain actions.

Only certain elements in GoldSim can interact with Resources including the Reliability elements. Elements can consume, borrow, and in some cases, generate Resources.

Using Resources involves three different steps:

• You must define a Resource Type (e.g., Gasoline, Electricians, Pump Motors) and specify its characteristics (discrete or continuous).
• You must specify where the Stores for that particular Resource exist in your model. Stores represent stockpiles or places where the actual Resource (e.g., parts, personnel) is stored or located when not being used. That is, Resource Stores can be thought of as having physical locations in the system you are modeling.
• You must specify how particular elements in the model interact with (consume, borrow from, or add to) the Resource Stores.

To Open the Model File:

1. Start GoldSim
2. Click on the File and select Open Example...
3. Browse to Reliability Examples
4. Select the file called ReliabilityResources.gsm