Transformation of models
Of the set of UML diagrams, the present work uses
only Activity diagrams for generating simulation
models. The process of simulation proceeds in three
steps.
In the first step UML activity diagrams are
transformed into a model of the Arena simulation
environment. In the second step, simulation
parameters, such as time of activities, probability of
process branching, stochastic values of variables,
etc. are tuned. And finally, the third step is to run
simulation experiments.
3.1 Transformation algorithm
Transformations of models are realised by the
following algorithm:
1. Make the syntax and semantic analysis of the
activity diagram. Reconstruct Activity diagram as a
flat table that contains all elements and connectors
of the diagram.
2. Identify logical mistakes in the diagram, for
example, missing start element, or facts that in an
activity diagram elements from other UML
diagrams are used, since it is unknown here how to
transform elements from other diagrams. This step
prepares a mapping between elements of UML
Activity diagram and elements of ARENA models.
3. Create an ARENA model from the modules
identified in the first step. For each module assign
default values of attributes. These values can be
changed during simulation experiments.