Introduction to Prototyping
Give me a prototype. Give me something so I can show to others how it works
This call for a working example is heard in Silicon Valley every day. It is a testament to the power of a working example. Executives and investors use prototypes to understand the real world shape of complex ideas.
However, in my experience, it is the engineering team that gains the most knowledge from prototypes. Moving from concepts to product always produces surprises. Unanticipated restrictions, interactions and performance issues alway show up.
Thus, prototyping is a learning experience. It is the standard process for testing the integration of complex ideas into a real technology
SimuTrans Prototyping
In this chapter we will introduce the SimuTrans world that is use in the Lab 1 course. Within this world we will build example transportation networks - prototypes - for many of the SimuTrans components.
This chapter, in the following two sections, will introduce two prototypes:
simLab1 World. This is a SimuTranns world generated from one of the standard map. We will use it as the starting point for Lab1 transportation network building process.
The prototype world also make a great starting spot to test the operational and strategy skills developed by a Participant. Return to this base and see if you can create a transportation network that build your firms net worth faster that the Lab1 prototype simulation.
Rail Transportation Route. A Supplier to Consumer Route - rail from coal mine to power plant - is constructed. This is used as a prototype to test cost efficiency / profitability of rains varying in length.
An Operations Pattern
A second major concept, in addition to the value of prototypes, is introduced in this chapter - Operations Pattern. An Operation Pattern a group of components and/or processes that are used over and over.
In chess this is called a combination; in Starbucks this is the store layout, menu and procedures; in the military this is the structure and operational doctrine of a division; and at MacDonald's it is the franchise formula.
An SimuTrans example would be a rail solution to deliver a commodity material such as coal or iron to a consuming facility such as a power plan or factory. The Operation Pattern is a Train Depot, two single track station, rail connecting the stations, engine, and rolling stock capable of carrying the commodity, and operations orders for train. Lets just call this the Commodity Operations Pattern
The value of the Commodity Operations Pattern is the ability to execute a proven solution quickly. In SimuTrans, as in business in general, there is always time pressure. Using "cookie cutter" operational patterns creates a competitive advantage.