ExtendSim
Simulation & CAE software
Business process simulation software
Process automation software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$50 per license
Free TrialFree version
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Medium
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- Education and training
- Energy and utilities
- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
What is ExtendSim
ExtendSim is a discrete-event and continuous simulation modeling environment used to build and run process and system simulations. It supports use cases such as manufacturing and logistics flow analysis, capacity planning, and operational “what-if” studies, as well as custom simulation development via a block-based modeling approach. The product combines a graphical model builder with libraries of reusable blocks and options for data analysis and reporting. It is typically used by industrial engineers, operations analysts, and simulation specialists who need to model complex process behavior over time.
Flexible block-based modeling
ExtendSim uses a modular, block-based approach that supports building models by composing reusable components. This structure can make it easier to represent discrete-event flows (queues, resources, routing) alongside continuous dynamics in the same model. It also supports creating custom blocks, which helps teams standardize modeling patterns across projects.
Supports multiple simulation paradigms
The platform is designed to handle discrete-event, continuous, and hybrid simulations within one environment. This is useful for operational systems where material flow, control logic, and time-based dynamics interact. Compared with general numerical computing tools, it provides more purpose-built constructs for process flow and resource constraints.
Scenario and performance analysis
ExtendSim models can be used to run repeated experiments to compare scenarios, policies, and parameter sets. The environment includes capabilities for collecting model statistics and generating outputs suitable for operational decision-making. This can reduce reliance on external scripting for common simulation study workflows.
Less suited for CAD-centric CAE
ExtendSim focuses on process and system simulation rather than geometry-based design and engineering analysis. Organizations seeking tight integration with 3D CAD workflows, parametric geometry, and mechanical design toolchains may need separate products. This can add integration effort when simulation must align closely with CAD-managed product definitions.
Learning curve for complex models
While the block approach is approachable for basic models, building large, validated simulations still requires specialized simulation knowledge. Users often need to understand event scheduling, statistical interpretation, and model verification/validation practices. Teams without simulation expertise may require training and governance to avoid incorrect conclusions.
Automation scope depends on integration
ExtendSim can support process automation use cases through model execution and data exchange, but end-to-end automation typically depends on how it integrates with external data sources and enterprise systems. If required connectors or APIs are limited for a given environment, teams may need custom integration work. This can affect deployment effort for productionized decision-support workflows.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan / License | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| ExtendSim CP (Individual Model Developer Edition) | $995 (one-time) | Continuous Process modeling. First-year Maintenance & Support Plan (MSP) included. Floating: $1,790/user (concurrent); Node-locked: $1,990/device. |
| ExtendSim DE (Individual Model Developer Edition) | $3,495 (one-time) | Discrete Event modeling. First-year MSP included. Floating: $6,119/user; Node-locked: $6,990/device. |
| ExtendSim Pro (Individual Model Developer Edition) – up to 100 RECs | $4,995 (one-time) | Discrete Rate, Reliability Block Diagramming (RBD). Includes up to 100 Reliability Event Cycles (RECs). First-year MSP included. |
| ExtendSim Pro (Individual) – up to 1,000 RECs | $7,495 (one-time) | Pro with up to 1,000 RECs; MSP same as other Pro SKUs. |
| ExtendSim Pro (Individual) – unlimited RECs | $9,995 (one-time) | Pro with unlimited RECs. |
| Analysis RunTime (Individual) | $495 (one-time) | Runtime for running/analysing models (no MDE building). No MSP/upgrade required for this license. Floating/Node-locked: $990/user/device. |
| Player RunTime | Free (perpetual download) | Free viewer/runtime to open, run, and explore ExtendSim models (cannot build models). Permanently available from vendor site. |
| ExtendSim Student (educational) | $50 (one-time) | Limited student package for building/saving small models (educational use only). Available via ExtendSim Store; discounts/codes may apply. |
| ExtendSim Cloud (subscription) | $10,000/year (up to 4 instances); $25,000/year (up to 32 instances); $40,000/year (unlimited) | Cloud subscription priced by concurrent instances. Subscription renewal listed at same annual rates. |
| OEM License | Starts at $50,000/year | Embed simulation engine in an application; contact vendor for quote. |
Notes:
- Maintenance & Support Plan (MSP): first year included with purchase for MDE products; annual renewal required thereafter. Example MSP annual costs as listed: CP MSP: $199/year (Individual), $358/user/year (Floating), $398/year (Node-locked). DE MSP: $699/year (Individual), $1,224/user/year (Floating), $1,398/year (Node-locked). Pro MSP: $899/year (Individual), $1,758/user/year (Floating), $1,998/year (Node-locked).
- Trials: 30-day Trial of Model Developer Editions available as free download. Trial limitations and details published on the vendor site.
- All prices quoted in USD on the vendor pricing page and ExtendSim Store; some regional distributors show different local pricing and taxes may apply.
