Hi John, i believe that SystemModeler together with Mathematica will be able to target many of your problems better than the list reflects. However, it is hard to say as it might depend on the interpretation of each headline. If you like we can setup a phone meeting to better understand your requirements and give you more accurate answers.

OK I have updated the score from 1 to 8 on testing quality assurance. I take the point about version control; we should have that in there. I will keep you updated on our decision-making progress. The team has a Skype call on Tuesday. They will see your comments and advice. Thanks.

John, One thing to think about, at least when it comes to SystemModeler, is that it is using the open modeling language Modelica. This makes it possible to share models with other modeling software, version control models(something I really think is lacking from your spreadsheet, BTW) and much more. SystemModeler also supports FMI, so you can export the simulation, or parts of it, to a wide variety of tools. Wolfram has a very capable testing and quality assurance team, and many of the tools used by this team is included into the software, such as the function VerificationTest. Just saying that I think it deserves a much higher rating than 1/10.

John,

you should also consider budgeting in some hours from Wolfram services. WSM and Mathematica are so powerful that they have considerable learning curves. It is hard to know "best practices" without using both together. Most things can be done in either program but there is often a best way to do it. A few hours with someone who can help you get your problem launched in the right direction goes a long way. (For example, if you want to do animations later on it is best to start out with that in mind).

Additionally, I have found the support on the SystemModeler forum (in this community) is very strong and usually quicker than the premium support.

I would be interested in what you ultimately pick. If you want to talk to an actual user (who also uses MATLAB, SIMULINK and others), Please feel free to contact me outside of this forum.

Regards

We do similar types of modeling. You should evaluate wolfram SystemModeler (WSM) connected to Mathematica. This combination fixes many of the shortcomings of Mathematica alone. You can do equation derivation in Mathematica and simulate dynamics in WSM. Furthermore you can rely on existing models and components in WSM. WSM also gives you animations with little extra effort. It is the right combination for your project. I think the WSM team can give you more information.