Flight and driving simulators, crash tests, computer games, virtual tours: Simulations change the world we live in.  Modelling of dynamic workflows has also become a key technology in production for process optimization and cost reduction. Simulation-based analysis and optimisation helps planners and suppliers, both in the ability to collect key data and to select the optimum operating point. Simulation helps to evaluate different variants or scenarios from a technical and economic point of view and reduces the planning risk. This helps to detect bottlenecks or surplus capacity, verify control strategies, free order capacities or deadlines, and optimise production plans along with parameters such as throughput and tooling times, inventories and resources. Learning on the model promotes creativity and opens new solution possibilities. It is like a “sandbox game” to try out a system in detail without any risk, whether this involves layout variations, a new optimisation strategy or a changed delivery deadline. Simulation is capable of correctly mapping the dynamic and stochastic behaviour of complex systems - a critical advantage compared to traditional analyses.