ExtendSim

Last updated
ExtendSim Simulation Software
Original author(s) Imagine That Inc.
Developer(s) ANDRITZ Inc.
Stable release
2024.R1 / July 24, 2024;2 months ago (2024-07-24) [1]
Operating system A 64-bit version of Windows, such as 11, 10, or Server 2022.
Available inEnglish
Type Simulation & Simulation-based optimization
License Proprietary, Individual, Node-Locked, Floating, and Cloud licenses
Website www.extendsim.com

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.

Contents

History

YearFeatures added
1987Original 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
1995Release for Microsoft Windows
1998 Scripting, Activity-Based Costing
2001 Optimizer, ActiveX/COM and ODBC support, source code debugger
2002 FTP support
2007Changed product name from Extend to ExtendSim, internal database
2008 Discrete rate and 3D capabilities added
2010Scenario Manager, Advanced Resource Manager
2013 ADO database support, Flow attributes
2018Integrated reliability diagramming, ExtendSim Cloud released
2024Multicore Analysis to run models in parallel and launch multiple instances of ExtendSim

Model construction

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 namePurposeSample blocks
ValueMathematical calculations, remote data access, statistics collectionMath, Equation, Decision, Random Number, Read, Write, Mean & Variance
ItemModels discrete event processesQueue, Activity, Equation, Create, Batch & Unbatch, Resource Management, Select Item In & Out
RateModels discrete rate processes for high-speed, high-volume simulationTank, Valve, Interchange, Convey Flow, Merge & Diverge, Throw & Catch Flow
ReliabilityReliability block diagrammingStart Node, Component, End Node, Event Builder, Distribution Builder
ChartDisplays plots and chartsBar, Scatter, Histogram, Line, and Database Line, Database Statistics
ReportReporting model resultsReports Manager, Cost Stats, Item Log Manager
AnalysisOrganizing and optimizing model data and results, plus launching multiple instances of ExtendSimAnalysis Manager, Multicore Analysis, Optimizer, Scenario Manager
UtilitiesModel interface, debugging, and informationButtons, Record Message, Memory Usage

Application areas

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]

See also

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References

  1. "Upgrade ExtendSim". ExtendSim.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
  2. "Resource Optimization by Simulation Technique in Food Logistics" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  3. "Simulating Six Sigma Improvement Ideas for a Hospital Emergency Department" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  4. "NCW End-To-End (NETE) Model For Future C2 Architecture Assessments" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  5. "Facility Design: Simulation Methodology for Facility Design". Archived from the original on 2011-10-03. Retrieved 2011-02-14.