ABSTRACT
In experimental design terminology, factors are the different variables thought to have an effect on the output performance of the system. These variables are controllable in that the practitioner can vary the levels in both the actual system and the simulation models. Typical examples of factors are:
• Workers who perform specific functions • Machines that perform specific operations • Machine capacities • Priority sequencing policies • Worker schedules • Stocking levels
Note that it is easily possible to have several different individual factors for any of the above types of factors. For example, if we have an airport security checkpoint system, there are three different types of resource factors. These include:
• Ticket checkers • Metal detectors/operators • X-ray machines/operators
Each of these three different types of processes can be an individual factor. Each of these factors can have different levels.
