After you have defined assumption and forecast cells — and, optionally, decision variable cells — in the worksheet model, you are ready to run a simulation. During the simulation, Crystal Ball creates a forecast chart for each forecast cell using frequency distributions to show the range of possible results. By default, these charts are displayed as the simulation runs. As you run the simulation, observe the shape of the distribution to get a feel for the problem you are trying to solve. If you are new to Crystal Ball, try running simulations in Demo speed to watch the forecast values change from trial to trial.
During a Crystal Ball simulation, you can stop, reset, and continue the simulation at any time and manipulate the forecast charts independently, displaying or hiding them as needed. You can use the Crystal Ball Control Panel to perform many of the procedures described in this section. For details, see The Crystal Ball Control Panel.
During the simulation, Crystal Ball saves the forecast values in a list that grows as the simulation progresses. In Extracting Data, you will learn how to export these forecast values to other programs, such as a statistical analysis program.
The following sections describe how to run and control simulations: