ExtendSim Flow Simulation https://extendsim.fr Dynamic Simulation applied to industry, transports and services Wed, 11 Aug 2021 13:00:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://extendsim.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ExtendSim10-icon64x64-36x36.png ExtendSim Flow Simulation https://extendsim.fr 32 32 Version 10.0.8 of ExtendSim https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-8-of-extendsim/ https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-8-of-extendsim/#respond Wed, 11 Aug 2021 13:00:17 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2804 .flex_column.av-av_one_full-79ff81c021393065cee878051452f6a6{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

ExtendSim enhancements from 10.0.7 to 10.0.8

August 2021

Blocks • New and Improved Features

History (Item library)

  • Add: new checkbox which will resize columns automatically when filled up / Open model /Setup / check the option / resize.

Resource Manager (Item library)

  • Updated call to RMfcn_addResources to accommodate new argument for initial resource quantity.

History(R) (Rate library)

  • Allow to change the view of the block’s to and from Status. Not being able to do it created some problems because it could not right-connect in between hierarchical block connectors.

Tank & Interchange (Rate library)

  • Add results: contents average, content Max and Mins.

Tank, Interchange, & Convey Flow (Rate library)

  • Add result: cumulative time the tank level has been in each indicator.

DB Line Chart (Chart library)

  • Improved code: When in openmodel, if the block detects a problem and gives an error message, don’t abort opening the model.

Animate Value (Animation library)

  • Improved code: Be smarter in setting GetSimulateMsgs(FALSE) to avoid calling on simulate if not necessary.

Application • New and Improved Features

  • Analysis RunTime product can now open regular (.lbr) library types rather than only RunTime libraries.
  • Added new type of text file: .rsm
  • Now detects integer blank entries as NoValue, not 0, which is a valid entry.
  • Now allows default PDF printing to a single page for a model.
  • Charts have rubber-band zoom if right-clicked.
  • Chart’s Data tab can now be cloned like the Graph tab.
  • Dashed line added to Border/Line Thickness tool.
  • For a Floating license, added Roaming status to model’s Title Bar.
  • You can now right-click on the icon pane (not on the icon itself) in a block structure to add an animation object.

Functions • New

  • DBGetLinkedDialogsList() – To find all the linked dialog items in a model.
  • DBGetLinkedContentList() – To find all the linked database content items in a model.
  • DBGetLinkedStructureList() – To find all the linked database structure items in a model.
  • MaintenanceSupportPlanExpired() – Checks the maintenance date of the license to determine if it has expired.
  • GetBlockTabNames() – Gets all the tab names for a block’s dialog.
  • ServerOpenPort() – Sets ExtendSim as a listener on that port.
  • EColorToHTML() – Gets the HTML color as a string for publishing an HTML page.

Minor enhancements, bug corrections : see detailed list

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-8-of-extendsim/feed/ 0 Version 10.0.7 of ExtendSim https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-7-of-extendsim/ https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-7-of-extendsim/#respond Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:22:46 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2649 .flex_column.av-8n587-eaa69dfa5a10fddef744ec76a8c5c642{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

ExtendSim enhancements from 10.0.6 to 10.0.7

November 2020

Blocks • New and Improved Features

Batch (Item library): Created procedure Bprc_DynamicDataTable to enable dynamic linking to the batch quantities & attributes input dialog tables.

Executive (Item library): Added call to dlg_buildModelBlockConnsTable in BLOCKRECEIVE8. Added reference to new ASP include file and replaced calls to dlg* procedures with ASP* procedures in BLOCKRECEIVE8.

Resource Manager (Item library): Added new dialog button ExportResourceClasses_BTN in Resources table to manually trigger the creation of the [Resource Classes] table using current content in [Pools], [Resources], and [Groups] tables. Added call to RMdlg_enableDisableButton to manage a new button for exporting resource class definitions. Added new checkbox ExportResultsToSeparateTbls_chk to the Results tab to support new functionality for breaking out resource results in the [Resources] table to a separate table. Added a new dynamic array for use in the validation of resource requirement expressions table content. Added new variables and logic to better manage dialog refreshing. Added new data structures to more completely capture information for resource change groups.

Resource Pool (Item library): Moved locally defined constants related to Resource Pool queues and allocation policies into the RP constants v10.h include file.

Throw Item (Item library): New implementation: Added an option to set an attribute with my Throw block number.

Merge & Diverge (Rate library): Added a warning to prevent the use of sensor blocks or sensing mode in Merge & Diverge blocks.

Component, Distribution Builder, End Node, Event Builder, and Start Node (Reliability library): Added block Help.

HistogramHistogram (Chart library): Increased the maximum number of bins and maximum number of bars.

Line Chart and Scatter Chart (Chart library): Added the ability to filter data on schedule in continuous models.

Chart & Report libraries: Cleaned up categories for all Chart and Report library blocks and hid them in the Library menu. Hidden Categories with respective Subcategories in the Chart and Report libraries are:

Chart > Bar Charts >
• Bar Chart
• Histogram

Chart > Line Charts >
• DB Line Chart
• Line Chart
• Scatter Chart

Report > Information >
• Item Log Manager
• Reports Manager

Report > Statistics >
• Cost Stats
• DB Statistics
• Statistics

Template library: Enhanced all hierarchical blocks in the Templates library with updated documentation. queue conditionsAdded new hierarchical block to the Templates library… Queue – Empty Based on Conditions that shows how to empty a Queue based on one of two conditions:  When the Queue block is full.  When an item has spent a maximum number of units of time in the Queue. If either of these conditions are present, all items in the Queue will be forced to leave

Application • New and Improved Features

Using a new version of QT – 5.14.

Switch control now toggles when clicked, making it much easier to change the state of the switch from off to on and vice versa.

Added Find Me button to all dialogs so user can find where owning block resides.

Functions • New

String DIGetName(long blockNum, integer dialogID) returns the dialog item name from the item’s dialogID.

Integer LibrariesOpen(StringDynamicArrayName) returns the list of library names in the String dynamic array.

String LibraryUsed(integer blockNum, data02Ptr blockData) returns the name of the library that owns blockNum.

Enhanced getDialogItemInfo() to allow a “which” of 11 which returns the item’s dialog tab number.

Minor enhancements, bug corrections : see detailed list

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/version-10-0-7-of-extendsim/feed/ 0 Warehouses and Conveyors https://extendsim.fr/en/warehouses-and-conveyors/ https://extendsim.fr/en/warehouses-and-conveyors/#respond Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:40:47 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2266 .flex_column.av-4dtuht-6dc0ec84aa3c78791b87d583a01502a4{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Warehouses and conveying systems

Warehouses and storehousess, and the automated or manual conveying systems that generally astructure them are issues of important consequences: it is necessary to avoid shortages of conveying elements, blockages in intermediate areas, to find acceptable response times, gain square meters, absorb fluctuations in orders, and size docks, fleets, etc. sometimes according to fine adjustments on conveyor speeds.

The accumulation conveyors offered in ExtendSim allow a very subtle configuration of their role in a conveyor system. Some aspects were detailed in a dedicated article.

This project intended to size the pallet transport equipment, in order to assess the number of AGVs needed in the warehouse, estimate the average response time to an order, as well as the maximum possible load for the warehouse.

For each movement of an AGV, an algorithm in the model searches for the shortest route between its starting position and its destination, and also manages the vehicle’s route for possible crossings with another vehicle.

Among our customers on similar projects: Groupe Hennessy – Automation & Robotic – Mobalpa – Eli Lillly –  TracoInsa – Turbo Meca France – Findis – Hager Electro – 

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/warehouses-and-conveyors/feed/ 0 Transport Networks https://extendsim.fr/en/transport-networks/ https://extendsim.fr/en/transport-networks/#respond Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:39:58 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2264 .flex_column.av-h8bzg-62b96594acd1eb7f70adb1bff3f5bfe4{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Etude dynamique de réseaux de transport en commun

Initialement développé pour des entreprises gestionnaires de réseaux de transports publics, UrbaSim est devenu une application à part entière, utilisable par les opérateurs de transports publics comme par les consultants qui effectuent pour eux des études.

UrbaSim permet de décrire un réseau de métros, bus, tramways, ou d’une combinaison de véhicules, et de mettre à l’épreuve son fonctionnement, soit pour découvrir les points à améliorer dans l’usage quotidien, soit pour voir la réactivité à des événements spéciaux (match de foot, braderie, vacances), soit pour tester en conditions réelles des changements futurs (nouvel arrêt, horaires modifiés, capacité différente d’un nouveau matériel roulant, variation de la demande voyageur, etc.).


 Graphique Serpent de charge >

  • Indicateurs de qualité du service : nombre de laissés à quai, attente, niveau de confort dans les véhicules.
  • Indicateurs d’utilisation des ressources : nombre de voyages ou de kilomètres, taux de remplissages des véhicules, affluence sur les quais.
  • Graphiques de suivi pour un véhicule ligne particulier, ou pour un arrêt précis.
  • Graphique d’évolution de la charge, graphique Serpent de charge.

L’interface utilisateur s’appuie à la fois sur MS Excel et sur MS Access, pour faciliter la saisie des données et leur récupération. Chaque simulation peut être jouée sur une carte Google Earth, permettant d’associer le réalisme du rendu et la prise en compte intuitive des phénomènes de congestion ou de blocage.

< Simulation sous Google Earth


Parmi nos clients sur ce type de projets : Keolis – Tisséo

Télécharger une fiche sur UrbaSim

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/transport-networks/feed/ 0 Airports https://extendsim.fr/en/aeroports-us/ https://extendsim.fr/en/aeroports-us/#respond Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:47:35 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2036 .flex_column.av-6hpy88-22ee34b5761b261ac76422fe7b2c6f4f{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Airports and terminals issues

HUBSIM is a comprehensive solution to simulate and optimize passengers flow in airports. This application simulates precisely every single passenger from arrival plane landing to departure plane boarding in large multi-modal infrastructures. It takes into account walking traveling time, passport and/or baggage checking (with resource affectation optimization), finite capacity bus or shuttle transfers in large airports, as well as different passenger types (high/low contribution, reduced mobility PAX, children etc.).

Shuttles routes and timetables, check-point size, door assignment to planes, are all factors contributing that a passenger catches a connecting flight. ExtendSim simulates a whole day at Charles de Gaulle Airport in less than 5 minutes (about 100 000 PAX). User-friendly interface and easy import/export to MS Access database allow users to setup scenarios and make customized reports. HUBSIM becomes the perfect tool for precise infrastructure design, security and evacuation planning and management.

Among our customers on similar projects: Iberia – Aéroport de Paris CDG – Air France

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/aeroports-us/feed/ 0 People and Buildings https://extendsim.fr/en/2029-2/ https://extendsim.fr/en/2029-2/#respond Thu, 07 Jan 2021 09:33:17 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2029 .flex_column.av-5pqksq-c7abb80d659fe59f924d104c41b25559{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Managing flows of people

In public buildings, administration offices, and transportation facilities, security issues are added to various constraints:

  • Different populations: visitors, employees, etc.
  • Horizontal circulation from one room to another, and vertical (lifts and staircases).
  • Optimal sizing of reception desks and incoming calls management.
  • Security control checking shifts.
  • Extreme conditions at peak hours.
  • Side flows of deliveries, technical staff, couriers.
  • Limited capacity of common spaces (cafeteria, waiting room).

Simulation provides many tools to validate a fluid circulation of user groups, to make sure parking access does not jam the main street, to test the response algorithm of lifts or the proper sizing of access control points, and anticipate flows in case of evacuation.

Among our customers on similar projects: Bouygues Bâtiments – RATP – Aéroports de Paris – Quick Restaurant – Quille Construction

Download a paper about this project

Two approaches simulating flows of people/passengers/pedestrians/visitors

1 – The study aims the functional aspect of the system, that also includes other types of flows (cars, workstations, tools or various resources) : it’s a quite typical case of discrete simulation, ExtendSim should be favored to take into account many others aspects or constraints than persons going from one point to another.

2 – The study focuses on pedestrians, that are precisely located within a known geometry (various buildings) that plays a large part in the constraints set on flows : it’s a case of multi-agent simulation to be rather treated with Pathfinder, because of the specific movement of persons, of the part played by their environment, of the 3D rendering of results.

The post People and Buildings first appeared on ExtendSim Flow Simulation.

]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/2029-2/feed/ 0 Healthcare https://extendsim.fr/en/sante-us/ https://extendsim.fr/en/sante-us/#respond Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:52:08 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2039 .flex_column.av-59pdfm-d3018bd430d9bef0cfbf28f4ea47a088{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Healthcase systems issues

Healthcare sector has been using simulation for long, as part of the teaching and research process. Simulation should also take place to better understand the flows circulating in the complex systems that are care units, hospitals centres or medical laboratories.

Simulation helps managing different skills and schedules, reducing cycle time, delays and stocks, dimensioning equipments.

A simulation model for this medical Laboratory enabled to:

  • Dimension the various analysis devices.
  • Dimension the number and size of incubators.
  • Optimize dispatching on multi-purpose equipments.
  • Define analysis protocols.
  • Define shifts and tasks for operators.
  • Ensure permanent capacity at the lowest investment and working costs.

Among our customers on similar projects : Sanofi Aventis – Glaxo Smithkline – Gambro Industries – Abbott Diagnostic – CHU Toulouse – Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc –  Dade Behring – Elaiapharm – Biomérieux – Fournier.

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/sante-us/feed/ 0 Chemical Industry https://extendsim.fr/en/chimie-process-us/ https://extendsim.fr/en/chimie-process-us/#respond Tue, 05 Jan 2021 09:55:20 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2041 .flex_column.av-5ubm2d-b3d4f59ed20db413a9ddacd44b0e51a6{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Uniquely adapted for Process Flow Analysis

For all process industries process – chemical, pharmaceutical, oil, polymer, paint industries – whether with continuous or batch operations, a simulation study sharpens the managing rules, flow control and organization decisions so as to:

  • Choose money-saving production series complying with fluctuating product mix.
  • Test and compare different equipment configurations
  • Reduce generation of unwanted products
  • Size silos, hoppers, tanks, production batches
  • Resist random variation of raw materials and orders
  • Visualize functionality in terms of throughput and predicting the limits of each solution

ExtendSim is specially adapted for this kind of issues, with its Rate library meant for flows like powders or liquids (or bulk material), moving through the model controlled by valves, merged or separated according to realistic rules, reproducing precisely the operations met in process industry.

This model simulate a chemical plant constrained by a limited water resource : it revealed mandatory to adjust the operation sequence to favor the more water-efficient, to validate the equipment size (tanks, centrifuges, heat exchangers), and in the end favor specific production schedules where water was better used.

Among our customers on similar projects: Rhodia Solvay – Arkema – Rio Tinto Alcan – Sanofi Aventis – Technip – Carbone Industrie – Carbone Savoie – Cristal Global – Norske Skog Papeteries – UCB Chemicals – Rohm & Haas – Firmenich – Fournier.

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/chimie-process-us/feed/ 0 Food Industry https://extendsim.fr/en/food-industry/ https://extendsim.fr/en/food-industry/#respond Mon, 04 Jan 2021 10:03:28 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2049 .flex_column.av-492kj4-6d1740150786c1e33299fba171e41f8d{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Consumer Packaged Goods Industry

In food industry, constraints are numerous and specific: variable demand and seasonality, wide customization of products, mix of continuous and discrete flows, and very specific production equipment. Add to this very strict cleaning regulations and speed constraint to maintain fresh products during the whole process. Models in food processing are confronted to two kinds of issues:

In manufacturing the product, the model will include:

  • A global or calendar production schedule (seasonal products)
  • Applying a manufacturing recipe for the product (steps in processing, raw material, proportions in mixing, cooking, etc.)
  • Managing stocks of raw material (replenishment)
    Managing intermediate stocks
    Organizing the cleaning of the whole process (stocks, machines, etc.)
  • Tracing the age of products during process, and managing waste.

The packaging step will include:

  • Manufacturing program for each product (steps, portions, material, labels, etc.)
  • Transportation between each step (conveyors, forklifts)
  • Machines controlling (maintenance, failures) and labor managing (shifts, competencies)
  • Managing stocks
  • Tracing the age of products during process, and managing waste.

Simulation helps reliable decision-making, answering many questions: which batch size, which shift, where reduce cycle and storage?


Among our customers on similar projects: Nestlé – Danone – Quick France – Yoplait – Kelloggs – Cerestar Beghin Say – Vico – Firmenich

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/food-industry/feed/ 0 Logistics https://extendsim.fr/en/logistique-us/ https://extendsim.fr/en/logistique-us/#respond Sun, 03 Jan 2021 09:56:58 +0000 https://extendsim.fr/?p=2043 .flex_column.av-6a23l4-9500a5be14ab77f477372347879b427f{ border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px; }

Logistics & Supply Chains Issues

In the complex choreography of conveyors and forklifts in a warehouse, or interaction between a sub-contractor and a carrier, simulation only can take into account the dynamic side of issues: blockages that occur in certain conditions only, a buffer of wrong size when working with a specific packing unit, all things for what a dynamic replica reveals more reliable than static calculations.

Simulation for logistics must take into account multiple references and routes, bi-modal transportation, conflicting resources, customs routines and delays, out-dating stocks… Animation focuses on bottlenecks and stock alerts.

The model studies a sea port where thousands of tons of various raw material for industry go through. The port can get blocked in reaction to unavailable spots on piers, storage limitations, etc. The aim is to test these constraints and vary the number of resources (ASR vehicles, dockers) and their shifts to manage saturation situations, while taking into account the timetables of tides.

Among our customers on similar projects: RATP – Keolis – Iberia – Air France – Automation & Robotic – Mobalpa – Savoye – SNCF – Airbus – TracoInsa – Turbo Meca France

Download a paper about this project

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]]> https://extendsim.fr/en/logistique-us/feed/ 0