Systems modelling and analysis provides a sophisticated tool to identify the best course of action and make a better decision than might otherwise have been made. It is useful in situations where the issues are particularly complex, the scope is large, and there is uncertainty on the outcome.

Systems modelling and analysis usually involves identifying and re-identifying objectives and constraints, testing alternative means, examining the probable consequences of each in terms of costs, benefits and risks, and presenting the results in a comparative framework so that informed decisions can be made.

Systems modelling and analysis can:

• prevent needless expenditure;
• provide preferable alternatives for action; and
• improve return on capital.

The Challenge
Systems analysis can be used to inform decision making in complex environments whether they are decisions on corporate plans, national programs, resource use, research and development, transport, construction, defence, health or social services.

Systems modelling and analysis provides an interdisciplinary approach - bringing together analytical tools, design methods and evaluation techniques.

Whatever imperative drives the need for change, be it organisational restructuring, changing demand for services, workforce planning or introducing new business processes – modelling the processes will improve the basis for decision making.

Expertise
Evans & Peck has unparalleled expertise in creating dynamic models.

Our approach delivers considerable advantages over traditional approaches to process mapping. Our models can be rapidly prototyped using visual representations which can then be further developed in group planning workshops, identifying problem areas and changing the model to test various scenarios.

Interaction between the members of the group results in a shared understanding and invariably leads to useful improvements to the system.

The software model can then be used collaboratively with our experts, or independently by our clients. This process is finding increasing application in risk analysis and business process re-engineering.

Evans & Peck’s dynamic simulation modelling provides the tools to:

• model the complex interactions of systems;
• diagnose the issues;
• identify alternative courses of action, potential improvements and synergies;
• develop and test those alternatives using different scenarios;
• examine the probable consequences of the alternatives in terms of costs, benefits and risks;
• aid decision making; and
• communicate the solution within the organisation.

Our people promote a team approach to problem solving. We aim to transfer skills and expertise to our clients.

Experience
We can tailor learning environments to deal with specific issues. Our recent assignments illustrate the diverse nature of our systems modelling work.

• defence: RAAF F-111 (Fleet Doctor) is a planning tool for scheduling maintenance, upgrade and phase out of the F-111 aircraft fleet to ensure availability and configuration requirements are met. Fleet Doctor includes the largest ithink model developed to date worldwide. It has since been written into quality assuranceprocedures for F-111 fleet planning and earned a gold medal for productivity improvement from the Technology in Government Committee;
• transport and freight: the business feasibility of grain storage, freight and shipping options was tested by modelling the supply chain from upcountry storage to port, including assessment of demurrage;
• local government services: we modelled the impact on costs and staffing for a major council planning to transfer services from customer centres to an internet portal;
• transport logistics: a model was developed to optimise bus numbers and queuing times for passengers to and from immigration at Sydney airport;
• health: using Federal budget projections, the various effects of an aging population, increasing drug use and price, and workforce participation rates were simulated; and
• hospitals: options at community, hospital and emergency levels were modelled to alleviate the winter bed crisis

Modelling and analysing complex processes provides an insight into the consequences of alternatives. This leads to more informed decisions and better outcomes.