Systemmodells

Systemmodell, or System model, is a simplified representation of a real or hypothetical system used to study its structure, behavior, and performance. By abstracting away unnecessary details, a systemmodell focuses on key components, interactions, and constraints to enable analysis, simulation, and prediction. In German, the term Systemmodell is singular; Systemmodelle is the plural.

Systemmodells can be physical, mathematical, or computational. Physical models include scaled prototypes or mockups. Mathematical or computational models express relationships with equations, algorithms, or agent rules. They can be static or dynamic, deterministic or stochastic, and continuous or discrete. Common subtypes include control models, dynamic systems described by differential equations, discrete-event simulations, agent-based models, and network-based models.

The modeling process typically follows a workflow: define the purpose and scope; analyze the real system and its requirements; create an abstraction that captures essential features; select an appropriate formalism; implement the model in suitable software; calibrate parameters using data; validate the model against independent data; perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis; and use the model for simulation, optimization, design, or decision support. Documentation and reproducibility are emphasized in professional practice.

Applications span engineering, natural and social sciences, and industry. Examples include climate and weather models, mechanical or electrical control systems, economic forecasting, epidemiological spread models, and software architecture or information flow models. Systemmodells support scenario testing, risk assessment, and performance improvement, while acknowledging the limits of simplifications and uncertainty.