Simulation of a Carsharing Service Network

[Med]

Hi All,
Your feedback would be highly appreciated !!!

I am currently working on a simulation project in which I am stuck with one particular function. I have to model a carsharing service network in which members can reserve in advance a vehicle in one of the many stations of the city's network. The reservation process is highly critical to the functioning of all other system functions; thus, I can't afford to bypass it.

My major problem resides in creating and updating the different schedules for each one of the vehicles. In previous academic projects, I was able to manage the scheduling of incoming clients in some facilities because they pretty much had only one or two queues;however, here, my entities have the capability of placing a reservation for a whole week in advance and also cancelling it at any time, and this is valid for several dozens vehicles.

My question here is: does any of you know how to handle such a particular case using ARENA ?

I thank you in advance for your time and hope you'll provide me with your expertise...any advice is highly appreciated !

Take good care and enjoy summer !!! (I'm in Montreal & mine sucks a little--> Too Much Rain)

[ewilliams]

Here are some preliminary thoughts. I have called your post to the attention of two expert colleagues, and they may post shortly. Meanwhile, think of all the pending reservations as an Arena Queue. You may or may not wish to make this a Detached Queue (a Detached Queue is a special type of Queue available by using the Queue block in the Blocks template and checking the "Detach" option box). A Detached Queue is so called because entities do not automatically leave the Queue -- they must be explicitly "invited to come off" via a QPICK block (same template). New car reservations can be routinely sent to join this Queue of reservations. The SEARCH module in the Advanced Process template can be used to find a particular reservation and its place in the QUEUE (allowing you to maintain a Queue discipline of your choice (need not be FCFS unless you wish)). The REMOVE module, also in the Advanced Process template, can be used to cancel a reservation (i.e., remove it from your Queue and send it "somewhere" -- the "somewhere" might well be a Dispose module).