The simulated time period can be scaled so that a longer time period can be simulated. A scaling factor “Factor to extend period outside above specified” determines how many consequtive times the simulation will be run. Dates and plant age will be counted as if time was passing by normally, and driving variables will be read from beginning to end of the originally determined time period (i.e. as specified by start date and end date) for as many times as have been set by the scaling factor.