ExtendSim
| Original author(s) | Imagine That Inc. |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Imagine That Inc. |
| Stable release | ExtendSim 10.0.5
|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 Service Pack 1, Server 2016, Server 2012, or Server 2008 R2 |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Simulation & Optimization |
| License | Proprietary, Individual, Node-Locked, and Floating Licenses |
| Website | www |
ExtendSim (formerly known as Extend) is a simulation program for modeling discrete event, continuous, agent-based, discrete rate, and mixed-mode processes. There are three ExtendSim packages: CP for continuous processes; DE which adds discrete event technology; and Pro which adds discrete rate and reliability block diagramming modules.
History
| Year | Features added |
|---|---|
| 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, cloud-based ASP |
Model construction
Models are created by dragging 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, Read, Write, Mean & Variance |
| Item | Models discrete event processes | Queue, Activity, Resource Pool, Item |
| Rate | Models discrete rate processes | Tank, Valve, Interchange |
| Reliability | Reliability block diagramming | Start Node, Component, End Node |
| Chart | Displays plots and charts | Bar, Scatter, Histogram |
| Report | Reporting model results | Reports Manager, Cost Stats, Item Log Manager |
| Animation3D | Animates the model state | Animate Item, Animate Value |
| Utilities | Model interface, debugging, and information | Buttons, Record Message, Memory Usage |
Application areas
Sample applications include resource optimization for food logistics,[1] six sigma process improvement for a hospital emergency department,[2] communication systems,[3] and manufacturing facility design [4]
See also
- Discrete event simulation
- Computer model
- Process optimization
- Simulation software
- list of discrete event simulation software
References
- ^ "Resource Optimization by Simulation Technique in Food Logistics" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
- ^ "Simulating Six Sigma Improvement Ideas for a Hospital Emergency Department" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-11.
- ^ "NCW End-To-End (NETE) Model For Future C2 Architecture Assessments" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-14.
- ^ "Facility Design: Simulation Methodology for Facility Design". Archived from the original on 2011-10-03. Retrieved 2011-02-14.