Resources

On-line Videos

Below are videos developed by Powersim AS with available models for various special topics.

Aging Chain Modeling

  • Create an explicit aging chain and then convert to an arrayed version
  • Learn how to set up and use the special flow variables available for aging chains in Powersim Studio
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Agent Based Modeling

  • See how agent-based modeling can be combined with other kinds of modeling
  • In our case the movement of people is agent based adn shown using the PIVOTSUM function
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Visual Basic Scripting

  • In this example you will learn how to read values from a text file into a variable
  • Understand how to build up the VBFunction to perform this task
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Optimization

  • This is an introduction to Optimization in Powersim Studio
  • Learn about Generations, Parents, Offsprings, Minimum convergence
  • Understand the different ways of running the simulation
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Series Variables

  • Learn how to create and work with series variables
  • Series variables give access to the future of a variable
  • See series variables results without using Play button
  • Use them on a selection or throughout your model
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Sub Models

  • Understand public and private variables
  • Learn how to link an input to a sub model
  • Connecting one sub model to another
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Syntax Control

  • Studio assists you while your are building your expressions
  • Smart ways to create links using keyboard shortcuts
  • How to organize your model using snapshots and slices in diagrams
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Arrays

  • Learn how to work with one- or multi-dimensional Arrays
  • Understand typical pitfalls and error messages
  • Explaining benefits and limitations of Dynamic Ranges
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Run Control

  • Learn how you set up and run a Monte Carlo simulation
  • Add uncertainty and view the effects on your model
  • Studio support Latin Hypercube & Monte Carlo method
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Monte Carlo Simulation

  • Learn how you set up and run a Monte Carlo simulation
  • Add uncertainty and view the effects on your model
  • Studio support Latin Hypercube & Monte Carlo method
  • Download model files used in Webinar

Zoo Models

These are models from the excellent work of Hartmut Bossel in System Zoo Books 1,2 and 3. These were a series of simulation models on physics, engineering, climate, resources, economy and society. Zoo 1 covers simple systems (integration, exponential growth and decay), logistic growth and variants, oscillations and chaos, and some interesting engineering systems (heat flow, gliders searching for thermals). Zoo 2 covers climate, water balance and emmissions. Zoo 3 covers the economy, society and global development. These are high quality models, with units that balance, well-documented by the book. These models available here have all been translated from the original Vensim versions.

Note: Zoo files are loaded into Mind Manager for display. May be slow loading.

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Zoo Files in Studio

Zoo Files in Vensim

Web-enabled Models

Powersim AS has enabled publishing models to the Web through some strategic partnerships with MAS Consulting and Forio. For more information visit the Powersim website.


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You can see an example of a Powersim Studio model using Forio Epicenter

Forio offers a number of including Epicenter, Performer and Ready-to-Run Simulations. Epicenter allows the user to create and share web-based simulations. Performer provides cost-effective soft skills to thousands of employees through on-line role-playing. And Ready-to-Run Simulaions are proven simulations for higher education classrooms or corporate training events.

Epicenter Example

Business Dynamics by John Sterman

If you don't already have a copy of John Sterman's book you should go get one. It is one of the best references for business models and modeling techniques available to the SD community.

Purchase Business Dynamics

The text book comes with a CD with the models loaded but the Powersim models were written in a very old version of Powersim Studio. With Dr Sterman's permission we have translated most of the models from his text book from Vensim to Powersim Studio 10. With this translation we have included units and converted any Vensim specific functions to the corresponding Studio construct. Most of these models will run under the free version of Powersim Studio, Express. Some are too large for Express and require you to have a license for Studio. The models are marked as to which version of Studio they will run under.

Note: Models are loaded into Mind Manager for display. May be slow loading.

Business Dynamics Models

Molecules by Jim Hines

Sandia National Laboratories have converted the Jim Hines "Molecules of Structure" from Vensim to Powersim Studio models. Jim Hines has given his permission to do this conversion, and with courtesy allowed us to share these models with Studio users. Feel free to download the "Molecules of Structure" model containing all these molecules, but make sure to read and sign the copyright first. The corresponding paper on Molecules is also available here.

Download Molecules Download Paper

Note: Firefox users may need to right click and use Save As option

Training Models by George Richardson

George Richardson creates a set of models for training. The models come from the article: NOTES AND INSIGHTS: “Model” teaching, George P. Richardson, System Dynamics. Review. 30, 81–88 (2014) – A graded stepwise approach to learning to model.

Download Models

Note: Firefox users may need to right click and use Save As option

Latest news and events

International System Dynamics Society

37th International Conference of the System Dynamics Society - July 21-25 - Albuquerque, New Mexico

What our clients say

  • A big "thank you" to you and Len on your successful introduction to Powersim workshop. The applications discussed were most helpful in understanding how this product can be used to explain complex problems requiring systems thinking. I learned a lot and I also value the continued support you and Len have offered me in working through some first time uses of this powerful tool.
    Lee Pickler, DBA,PMP
    Center for Global Health Affairs
  • Jake Jacobson and Len Malczynski, the owners of Mindseye Computing, recently came to NM WRRI and taught an introductory workshop on the use of Powersim Studio. The ability of Powersim to characterize and project the behavior of complex systems is critical to my work, which is an ongoing effort to account for the origin and fate of New Mexico’s historical and future water supply. During the three-day workshop, Jake and Len shared their passion and expertise for Powersim and system dynamics with the thirteen participants. The highly interactive and hands-on structure of the workshop led participants to an improved understanding of the software and highlighted the use of some of the powerful functions within it.
    Austin Hanson, Specialist
    New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute