Original author(s) | Imagine That Inc. |
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Developer(s) | ANDRITZ Inc. |
Stable release | 2024.R1 / July 24, 2024 [1] |
Operating system | A 64-bit version of Windows, such as 11, 10, or Server 2022. |
Available in | English |
Type | Simulation & Simulation-based optimization |
License | Proprietary, Individual, Node-Locked, Floating, and Cloud licenses |
Website | www |
ExtendSim is a simulation program for modeling discrete event, continuous, agent-based, discrete rate, and mixed-mode processes. There are three main ExtendSim simulation model building packages: CP for modeling continuous processes; DE which adds discrete event technology; and Pro which adds discrete rate and reliability block diagramming modules. ExtendSim Analysis RunTime is for model analysis and ExtendSim Cloud which provides access to models located on self-hosted servers for analysis by internal or external users.
Year | Features added |
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1987 | Original release for continuous modeling on the Macintosh |
1989 | Discrete event capabilities added |
1992 | Hierarchical modeling, Cloning, Animation, Interactivity |
1994 | Sensitivity Analysis, interface to Microsoft Excel |
1995 | Release for Microsoft Windows |
1998 | Scripting, Activity-Based Costing |
2001 | Optimizer, ActiveX/COM and ODBC support, source code debugger |
2002 | FTP support |
2007 | Changed product name from Extend to ExtendSim, internal database |
2008 | Discrete rate and 3D capabilities added |
2010 | Scenario Manager, Advanced Resource Manager |
2013 | ADO database support, Flow attributes |
2018 | Integrated reliability diagramming, ExtendSim Cloud released |
2024 | Multicore Analysis to run models in parallel and launch multiple instances of ExtendSim |
Models are created by placing blocks from a library into a model worksheet. Blocks are connected together to create the logical flow of the model. Data for the model resides in the parameters of the blocks and in a proprietary database. New blocks can be created by combining existing blocks into a single hierarchical block or by programming a block in ExtendSim's C-based language, ModL. The major libraries in ExtendSim are:
Library name | Purpose | Sample blocks |
---|---|---|
Value | Mathematical calculations, remote data access, statistics collection | Math, Equation, Decision, Random Number, Read, Write, Mean & Variance |
Item | Models discrete event processes | Queue, Activity, Equation, Create, Batch & Unbatch, Resource Management, Select Item In & Out |
Rate | Models discrete rate processes for high-speed, high-volume simulation | Tank, Valve, Interchange, Convey Flow, Merge & Diverge, Throw & Catch Flow |
Reliability | Reliability block diagramming | Start Node, Component, End Node, Event Builder, Distribution Builder |
Chart | Displays plots and charts | Bar, Scatter, Histogram, Line, and Database Line, Database Statistics |
Report | Reporting model results | Reports Manager, Cost Stats, Item Log Manager |
Analysis | Organizing and optimizing model data and results, plus launching multiple instances of ExtendSim | Analysis Manager, Multicore Analysis, Optimizer, Scenario Manager |
Utilities | Model interface, debugging, and information | Buttons, Record Message, Memory Usage |
Sample applications include resource optimization for food logistics, [2] six sigma process improvement for a hospital emergency department, [3] communication systems, [4] and manufacturing facility design [5]
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