DSMIN (Direct Search Minimization) A Queing-Based Interactive Computer Model for Wood Products Mill Design and Productivity Analyses

Abstract

This publication is a guide for the proper and efficient use of DSMIN – an interactive computer program for wood products mill design and productivity analyses. It addresses some of the more basic concerns of users of the model, such as:

(1) What specific problem situations can be handled with the model? (2) What are the data requirements of the model? (3) How and in what form are data entered? (4) What are the operational characteristics and limitations of the model? (5) What kind of output data does the model generate and what is the practical significance?

The analytical procedure embodied in DSMIN is discussed here only very briefly because this topic has already been given adequate coverage in previous articles (3,4). However, the recent revisions, particularly in relation to the evaluation of the cost effectiveness of a given mill design and/or operating policy, are discussed at length in this publication. A complete listing of the computer program and sample runs is also included.

DSMIN is written FORTRAN IV language and developed to run in large-capacity computers (e.g., IBM 370 and Cyber 172) with FORTRAN compilers. It is likely that some modifications are necessary to adapt its use to other systems.