Exploring decisions before they’re commitments.
The Challenge
In complex systems—where technical constraints, stakeholder incentives, and policy decisions interact—intuition often breaks down. Leaders must weigh tradeoffs without perfect data, forecast outcomes shaped by delayed effects, and uncover feedback loops they can’t directly observe.
But by the time problems are visible in operations, the damage is often done. How do you test strategies, spot risks, or evaluate alternatives—before committing resources?
Our Approach
At Software Factory Labs, we use modern modeling and simulation to bring hidden dynamics to light. Our team combines:
- System dynamics to uncover feedback loops and unintended consequences
- Discrete event simulation to analyze throughput, queuing, and schedules
- Monte Carlo techniques to understand uncertainty, risk, and sensitivity
We don’t just model systems to predict outcomes—we model them to illuminate what matters most, enabling sharper judgment and more resilient decisions.
What We Deliver
System Dynamics Modeling
Understanding feedback, delay, and structural behavior
We build interactive models to help stakeholders explore “what-if” scenarios around policy, incentives, and governance. Recent work with DARPA examined how acquisition incentives affect contractor behavior—revealing structural disincentives to innovation.
We use tools like Vensim DSS to support insight-driven dialogue across technical and policy teams.
Discrete Event Simulation
Analyzing system flow, variation, and resource contention
Our DES models evaluate how operations behave under load, delay, or constraint. Applications include:
- Satellite launch planning
- Software build pipelines
- Logistics and queue-based systems
These models support performance forecasting, bottleneck analysis, and policy evaluation under real-world constraints.
Monte Carlo Techniques
Quantifying uncertainty and scenario robustness
We use Monte Carlo simulation to explore variability across large parameter spaces—supporting decisions where uncertainty is the rule, not the exception. Applications include:
- Operational risk analysis
- Contract and incentive tradeoff evaluation
- Forecasting under policy or demand variability
Our simulations help teams understand which variables drive outcomes—and which don’t.
“We simulate systems not to predict them perfectly, but to see what matters most.”
Ready to explore complex systems with clarity?
Whether you’re assessing acquisition strategies, modeling contractor behavior, or optimizing delivery pipelines, our simulation tools and technical expertise help you see the path forward.
Let’s talk about how modeling can support your next decision. Contact us