Managing Model Runs

You can save prior model runs to compare the results of one run against another. Once a run is saved, you can put it first at any time and view the data from that run.

You can also load parameters (constants, including stocks initialized with a number, and graphicals) from a run into the current values for model variables (replacing the equations). Note that parameters don't include initial values that are generated by equations, even if the run you are loading parameters for had that value as a constant. Thus, for example, if you initialized the stock Population with 100 and ran the model, then changed the stock's equation to init_population, loading the parameters from the run would not change the equation. On the other hand, if you ran the model with init_population, then changed the equation to 100, loading the parameters would change the equation for population.

By default, the software automatically saves the last five model runs for any model (two for large models). When you run the model another time after that, the data from the first run are overwritten.

You can specify that the software remember a different number of runs. You can also save runs explicitly by clicking on in the Run Toolbar, and using the Data Manager. Unlike remembered runs, saved runs are available until you delete them. They are not automatically overwritten.

All model run data are saved in a database file (.isdb) with the same name and in the same location as your model file.

Note: In order to share saved model runs with other model users, you must include the model's .ISDB file with the model file when you share the model. For more information about which files need to be included when sharing models with others, see Distributing Models to Users.

Managing Runs

Comparative graphs as well as the graphs and tables displayed in the Results Panel and Causal Lens™ will show multiple runs based on what you have in the Runs displayed list in the Data Manager. Only one run is shown on spark lines drawn directly on the diagram and in graphs and tables that are not comparative. That run is simply the first run in the Runs displayed list.

For graphs and tables that call out specific runs, including those created by Preserve Graph Data in the Graph Series Property Panel panel, the runs containing those results will be partially preserved. This will allow you to display the associated graphs and tables, but the runs will be incomplete, and displaying, for instance, a new comparative, may not show values for all the runs.

Comparative tables and graphs display all of the currently active runs

From the Model menu, choose Data Manager.

The Data Manager dialog box will open.
Use the options in the Data Manager dialog box to manage the runs:
- To rename a run, click the run's name and type a new name.
- To change the run displayed on (non-comparative) graphs and tables drag it to the top of the list on the left.
- To stop a run from being displayed, but keep it for later reference, drag it from the list on the left to the list on the right.
- To display a run in the right hand list drag it to the left.
- To change the number of remembered runs, change the value in the "Remember data from the last ___ runs" box.
- To save a run, in the "Runs displayed" list, click the checkbox in the Save column of the run that you want to save. The run will not be removed as new runs are added or deleted when outputs are restored. Runs appearing in the saved runs list on the right are marked saved, but will not be displayed.
- To load the parameters for a run (whether it is displayed or not), click the button to the right of the run that you want to load.
- To delete a run, click the button to the left of the run that you want to delete.
When you're finished, click Close.

If you elected to load a recent or saved run, the model will display the data for the run you selected.

Note If you have stashed data for tables or graphs in your model, the data in the tables and graphs does not change when you make changes in the data manager.