ExtendSim
Encyclopedia
ExtendSim is a simulation program
for modeling discrete event
, continuous, agent-based, and discrete rate processes. There are four ExtendSim packages: CP for continuous processes; OR (operations research) which adds discrete event; AT (advanced technology) which adds discrete rate, a number of advanced modeling features , and Stat::Fit for statistical distribution fitting; and Suite which adds 3D animation.
. 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:
process improvement for a hospital emergency department
, communication systems , and manufacturing facility design
Simulation software
Simulation software is based on the process of modeling a real phenomenon with a set of mathematical formulas. It is, essentially, a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually performing that operation...
for modeling discrete event
Discrete Event Simulation
In discrete-event simulation, the operation of a system is represented as a chronological sequence of events. Each event occurs at an instant in time and marks a change of state in the system...
, continuous, agent-based, and discrete rate processes. There are four ExtendSim packages: CP for continuous processes; OR (operations research) which adds discrete event; AT (advanced technology) which adds discrete rate, a number of advanced modeling features , and Stat::Fit for statistical distribution fitting; and Suite which adds 3D animation.
History
| Year | Features added |
|---|---|
| 1987 | original release for continuous modeling on the Macintosh |
| 1990 | discrete event capabilities added |
| 1995 | release for Microsoft Windows |
| 2008 | discrete rate and 3D capabilities added |
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 databaseDatabase
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
. New blocks can be created by combining existing blocks into a single hierarchical block or by programming a block in ExtendSim's c-based
C (programming language)
C is a general-purpose computer programming language developed between 1969 and 1973 by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Telephone Laboratories for use with the Unix operating system....
language, ModL. The major libraries in ExtendSim are:
| Library name | Purpose | Sample blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Mathematical calculations, remote data access, statistics collection | Math, Read, Write, Mean & Variance |
| Item | Models discrete event processes | Queue, Activity, Resource Pool, Item |
| Rate | Models discrete rate processes | Tank, Valve, Interchange |
| Plotter | Displays plots and charts | Plotter I/O, Histogram |
| Animation 2D 3D | Animates the model state | Animate Value, Animate 3D |
| Utilities | Model interface, debugging, and information | Buttons, Record Message, Memory Usage |
Application areas
ExtendSim is used for modeling manufacturing, healthcare, supply chain, communications, defense, environmental, agricultural, biological, energy, reliability, service, information flow, and recreational systems. Sample applications include resource optimization for food logistics , six sigmaSix Sigma
Six Sigma is a business management strategy originally developed by Motorola, USA in 1986. , it is widely used in many sectors of industry.Six Sigma seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of defects and minimizing variability in manufacturing and...
process improvement for a hospital emergency department
Emergency department
An emergency department , also known as accident & emergency , emergency room , emergency ward , or casualty department is a medical treatment facility specialising in acute care of patients who present without prior appointment, either by their own means or by ambulance...
, communication systems , and manufacturing facility design
See also
- Discrete event simulationDiscrete Event SimulationIn discrete-event simulation, the operation of a system is represented as a chronological sequence of events. Each event occurs at an instant in time and marks a change of state in the system...
- Computer model
- Process optimizationProcess optimizationProcess optimization is the discipline of adjusting a process so as to optimize some specified set of parameters without violating some constraint. The most common goals are minimizing cost, maximizing throughput, and/or efficiency...
- Simulation softwareSimulation softwareSimulation software is based on the process of modeling a real phenomenon with a set of mathematical formulas. It is, essentially, a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually performing that operation...
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