VTT and Nokia developed a simulation model for more effective product development

Nokia and VTT have developed a system dynamic model asset to solve complex process challenges. The model asset is utilized in improving product process performance and productivity. A couple of spin-off applications have been developed for specific purposes, e.g., system research and process improvement as well as coaching and competence development. The Finnish Society of Automation presented their automation prize to the developers Lasse Pesonen and Simo Salminen from Nokia and Jean-Peter Ylén and Pasi Riihimäki from VTT as a recognition for remarkable R&D work on 4th September, 2007.

The processes in R&D depend more on people than machines thus making mathematical simulation demanding. The software developed by VTT and Nokia can be used for example for optimizing and managing processes as well as coaching. Modelling based on system dynamics has been utilized in this tool aimed at analysing and concretizing reason-consequence relationships. With this automation, system and weather theory can be applied in practice to productional, economic and social systems.

One of the spin-offs is a simulation game, in which the participants are challenged to apply their skills and knowledge in intensive operational decision making. The players experience causal effects of their decisions through the realistic simulation. The decisions are analysed and good performance is rewarded during the recap of the workshop. This way the participants gain insight to the complex business interactions through hands on exercise.

Benefits

* Applying system dynamics enable modelling of combined human and mechanical systems.

* The model asset can be used for several purposes, e.g., optimisation, improvement and re-engineering.

* Process simulation game has proven to be a practical catalyst for achieving joint understanding and gaining insight to system behaviour.