Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

How long does it take to build a model?

We typically think of models as “small, medium, and large.”  A small model is a cursory analysis, which takes an average of six to eight weeks in length.  A medium model (which the vast majority of what we do) is a full model with visualization and takes on average 12 to 14 weeks in length.  A large model is more complex and involves perhaps many scenarios and can take over six months.

How do you know that the model is accurate?

First of all, it isn’t our model, really. It is a faithful representation of our client’s description of the system. With that said, we take great efforts to ensure that we vet this model across the smartest minds in our client’s organization. We also perform validation against known data and historical data.

What kinds of problems are suitable for simulation?

The problems which tend to yield the best results when looked at through simulation have several factors in common.  Is it questioning a process that has never been subjected to deep inquiry?  Do the problem’s various solutions have inherent tradeoffs?  Does it have a strong financial incentive behind solving it?  Has the client been unable to grapple with the problem effectively?  All of these are indicators that a simulation approach could be helpful.

The process doesn’t have to be physical in nature – manufacturing and supply chains are classic examples, but so too are other non-physical processes: HR, IT, procurement, shared services…

What’s the “math” that’s under the hood?

This varies quite a bit (but may include Monte Carlo simulation, optimization, neural network analysis, game theory, etc.)  Check out our methods section for more information.

Why should we rely on external resources to do our modeling?

It’s rare that companies have the resources and time to allow its people to build simulations, much less to keep allow their people to keep up with all the developments in the mathematics and modeling fields. Like most other specialty firms, we only a few limited things, but we do them very well.

Do other firms offer simulation?

There are a number of other firms that offer simulation, but we have yet to encounter any firm that offers strategy, research, simulation, systems integration, and SaaS in a comprehensive way.  If you know of such a firm, let us know. (If nothing else, we’d love to chat with our fellow simulation geeks!)

The quality of our data stinks. Should we consider building models knowing this limitation?

We have yet to encounter any firm with perfect data.  We are quite accustomed to dealing with poor quality, erroneous, or missing data.  This should not be a reason to delay getting started with simulation.

Sounds interesting. How do we get started?

We advise our clients to select several candidate problems for simulation that fit the factors we’ve listed above.  Let us work with you, in whiteboard fashion, to investigate these candidates and offer ideas about our approach.

I’ve known George Danner for more than 10 years and, when it comes to building computer simulations of business processes, he’s the best.  George and I first worked together to build a simulation of helicopter transportation for offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico.  His...

Bob Sheffield
Managing Director Shell Aircraft International

As CIO I hired George and his team for several large enterprise IT simulation projects, one in an automotive setting and one in a banking setting.  In each, that team was required to work with the IT staff to deliver analytics that would help change the organization for the better, at many...

Marv Adams
Head of Technology and Operations TIAA-CREF Former CIO, Ford Motor, Fidelity, and Citigroup

Read More Testimonials