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.
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, ExtendSim Cloud released |
| 2024 | Multicore 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 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 |
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
- Discrete rate simulation
- Computer model
- Process optimization
- Simulation software
- list of discrete event simulation software
External links
- Official website
- ExtendSim blog
- MASH-Pandemics - a portal to support Models for Assessing Strategies for Hospitals
- SPICOSA page on ExtendSim
References
"Resource Optimization by Simulation Technique in Food Logistics" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-02-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20110720053650/http://www.ecology.kee.hu/pdf/0501_189200.pdf ↩
"Simulating Six Sigma Improvement Ideas for a Hospital Emergency Department" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-11. http://www.informs-sim.org/wsc03papers/250.pdf ↩
"NCW End-To-End (NETE) Model For Future C2 Architecture Assessments" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-14. http://www.dodccrp.org/events/10th_ICCRTS/CD/papers/141.pdf ↩
"Facility Design: Simulation Methodology for Facility Design". Archived from the original on 2011-10-03. Retrieved 2011-02-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20111003213541/http://biopharminternational.findpharma.com/biopharm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=432392 ↩