SAMM Concepts and Mechanics

SAMM Concepts and Mechanics

This page introduces the concepts and mechanics required to navigate and use a model in the SAMM (Scenario and Model Management) software, a component of the whatIf? Modelling Environment.

Instructional YouTube videos are embedded throughout the tutorial. The videos are also compiled in a single YouTube playlist (alternative Dropbox folder).

Connecting to a Server

From All Programs | whatIf, start SAMM (Scenario and Model Manager).
The Connect dialogue box will appear. Enter the Server, Port and account credentials information as provided by your administrator and click Connect. The Connect dialogue is shown below - note that you may be required to use a different port number.
If a connection is successfully established the Model Families window will appear, listing all items available to you.

Entering a Model and the SAMM Interface

Video 1.1 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Double click the model family you wish to enter. A check mark will appear beside it on the list.
Double click the framework you wish to enter (generally sim). A check mark will appear beside it on the list.
Double click the desired history (generally there will only be one). A check mark will appear beside it on the list.
The default layout of windows in SAMM is shown below. If your display does not appear as shown select Windows | Default Positions from the menu.
To switch on object long description, uncheck Options | Show Modelbase Name.

Understanding Model Diagrams

Treeview and Diagram Objects

Video 2.1 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Elements of a calculator diagram include:

Stock Variables - These are variables containing counts of some item usually. For example:

Flow Variables - These are variables containing counts of something that happen per time period or other flow situations. For example:

Parameter Variables - These are all other variables, rates, shares, constants etc. For example:

Procedure boxes - These boxes contain all the TOOL code to do the math with the variables. Double click on one to see the code. For example:

Variable Shape: Dimensions and Units of Measure

Video 2.2 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Links and Connectivity

Video 2.3 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Links Internal to model but external to the current calculator - references variables calculated in other calculators - Yellow box with solid border, for example:

Links to shared inputs to the model - references to variables that will be filled from sources external to the model and are referenced by multiple calculators. For example:

Links Internal to a calculator - references variables that exist multiple times within the same calculator appear as above but with white boxes instead of yellow. For example:

Variables, Instances and Scenarios

Video 3.1 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Video 3.2 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

An input (or control) variable can be assigned a specific value, or instance. Variables may have multiple instances. The concept of multiple variables each having multiple instances is shown here:

A scenario is a set of instances for all the input variables in a model framework, along with the associated values for the output variables. The concept of multiple scenarios and how they relate to variables and instances is shown here:

Displaying and Exporting Data

Video 4.1 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Video 4.2 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Video 4.3 alternative links:streaming SD download HD

Configuration Notes

To switch graph background from black to white:

In the SAMM application, go to File | Preferences…. Go to the Graph tab and uncheck black background.
In the SAMM application, go to Edit | Edit Colours… and press the White Background button (the displayed colours will change) and OK.

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