This paper proposes a methodotogy for applying sim ulation technology to the monitoring and control of operations, focusing on the use of intelligent agents. These agents monitor the course of the real operation and compare it with the near-real-time simulation of that operation. When these agents detect significant differences between the planned operation and the real operation, they explore the discrepancies to determine the impact on the desired outcome of the operation. These agents can launch additional simulations or other tools to make this determination. In cases in which the success of the plan is threatened, the agents advise the decision maker. The contributions of this research are (1) to help identify the requirements for a simulation designed for use during operations and (2) the development of a methodology for using sim ulation, along with rational agents, to compare the real, ongoing operation with the planned operation and make recommendations when appropriate. While several training simulations have been developed, there are currently no tools that provide this simula tion-based, agent-assisted operation monitoring/ analysis capability to decision makers.
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