In discrete event simulation, what does the term "entity" refer to?

In discrete event simulation, the term "entity" specifically refers to an object that flows through the system being modeled. Entities represent the items or actors that move through various states or processes within the simulation. For instance, in a healthcare setting, entities could include patients, medical equipment, or even information that is passed through different stages such as triage, treatment, and discharge.

This concept is fundamental to understanding how discrete event simulations operate, as the interactions and behaviors of these entities help illustrate the dynamics of the system being studied. Analyzing the paths that entities take, the events they encounter, and the way resources are utilized in response provides valuable insights into system performance and potential areas for improvement.

The other options refer to different aspects of simulation modeling. A process is a sequence of activities that the entities undergo, a resource refers to the items or assets used during the processes, and metrics for measuring success are indicators of performance or outcomes derived from the simulation results. While all these elements are important in the context of simulation, they do not encapsulate the definition of what an "entity" is.