The things I could do if my SRA Monte Carlo Simulation was faster!

What would I (or you) be able to do if the IMS (Integrated Master Schedule) SRA (Schedule Risk Analysis) Model was always set up properly and the Monte Carlo Simulation only took a few seconds to both compute results and provide all the graphic outputs (e.g., the Probability Distribution charts for every task and milestone, the Tornado charts, the associated trend data, and more)?

• I would not have to have multiple computers – one dedicated to running the Monte Carlo simulations and one other for performing other tasks while I waited for results.
• I would not need as much Technical Support (or Training) to do my job.
• I would not get as frustrated waiting for results and finding out that my simulation model was flawed – and had to be corrected and re-run – resulting in wasting more of my time.
• I would be able to do so many more “What-Ifs” without worrying about the time it takes to evaluate schedule structure alternatives and risk reduction options.
• I could spend more time on other, more productive work.
• I would be willing to evaluate changes one at a time versus waiting for all the inputs to come in first.
• I would not have to determine the specific output data to generate – like some programs where outputs take so much time for the system to produce that you need to pare down your requests.

What do you think the above “and more” comment is all about?

• How about not having to create the charts yourself – and they are all created professionally?
• How about getting Multiple IMS Gantt Charts automatically:

1. 1. The Nominal (single-point Critical Path) Schedule – to use as the team’s aggressive “Target”?
   2. The Commit Schedule – the team’s commitment to management, based on a “reasonable” percent confidence?
   3. The adjustable Goal Schedule – the Baseline Schedule that meets the organization’s guidelines – e.g., 70% confidence?
   4. The adjustable Medium Risk Schedule (e.g., 50%) – above which defines the Green Zone and Below which defines the Yellow Zone?
   5. The adjustable High Risk Schedule (e.g., 30%) – below which defines the Red (or “keep-out”) Zone?

• How about Baselining and Updating the IMS with ease (using software Wizards), and getting valuable Trend Data via warning indicators or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) automatically?
• How about getting an automatically created Merge Bias Chart that shows the impact of multiple task activities merging into the same succeeding task – in priority order for risk reduction?
• How about getting automatically created Earned Schedule Metrics (i.e., Schedule Performance Indices [SPIs] and independent project schedule projections – more valuable KPIs)?
• How about being assured that the IMS (Integrated Master Schedule) is indeed “valid” – and to see how it compares against the DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) 14-Point Metrics?