Simulation based alternative strategies in risk and service guarantee tradeoffs in the international funds transfer system at a large Canadian Bank

In order to solve the customer service delay and financial risk growth problems due to transaction delays in the integrated payments system (IPS) at a large Canadian Bank, a stochastic simulation model was built using the GPSS/PC simulation language and custom FORTRAN subroutines. These tools were used to analyze the present system and critical parameters, such as service rates of the operators at each suboperation, transaction arrival rates, and arrival patterns were identified and estimated where necessary. Three alternatives, including two automation strategies to increase processing efficiency and a control system to ensure a guaranteed service time were developed which, if implemented, will improve the operation of the IFS. Analysis of the simulation output showed that no single alternative dominates the others although each alternative, on its own, improved the present system with respect to the performance measures studied. A detailed examination of the costs and benefits of each alternative should be completed before the Bank decides on the appropriate strategy for final implementation.