An empirical distribution shows the frequency with
which data values, or ranges of data values, occur and
are represented by histograms or frequency charts.
• They are normally based on historic data.
• Most simulation software enable the user directly to
enter empirical distribution data.Example of an
Empirical Distribution:
Call Arrivals at a Call Centre
Although familiar, the normal distribution only has
limited application in simulation modelling..
• One problem with the normal distribution is that it can
easily generate negative values, especially if the
standard deviation is relatively large in comparison to
the mean.
• Some of the most useful distributions are described.
– Continuous distributions: for sampling data that can take any
value across a range.
– Discrete distributions: for sampling data that can take only
specific values across a range, for instance, only integer or
non-numeric values.
– Approximate distributions: used in the absence of data.