A simulation model, as other computer applications, also requires thorough design and implementation. An effective design encompasses all important features of the model and takes into account how the model will be used, what results it has to deliver.
Such a design is best to do with Visio or UML. Simulate First prefers UML 2 as it offers many views for one and the same design: class view, use cases, activity view, collaborate view and others. Only by synchronizing these views, questioning the designed features and discussing them with the client, one can develop an effective simulation model.
Only important features
A system that is modeled (for example shop floor or logistics operations) is a complex set of various events, tasks, resources and schedules. Some of them are important for the overall flow and influence simulation results, some not. One has to make sure to cut down on the number of modeled features and only include the ones that have an effect on the final results. For example, if a feature has a potential to change the results by less than 1%, then maybe should not be included in the model
Know limits of your software
Typically simulation packages offer many various modeling features. They are many, but on the other hand they are a limited number. One has to learn these features and find their limits, what burden they put on the CPU, if they scale well etc. This will help to avoid a construction of an invalid model
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