Scenario Manager
Design and run experiments on models. Explore projected outcomes as the Scenario Manager varies model inputs. Results change as the input changes; thus, run multiple experiments with the same model.

The ExtendSim Scenario Manager gives the MOST COMPLETE understanding of how a model reacts to different factors.

To facilitate analysis, all data is stored in an ExtendSim database. Data and results can then be easily exported to JMP or Excel for further analysis.

Essentially, the ExtendSim Scenario Manager keeps track of multiple what-if models, all based on the same model. It does this by assigning a named scenario to each combination of variables you choose to examine. For example, create best-, worst-, and typical-case assumptions for input values. Then recall each of these scenarios to see how the model behaves under different conditions. For comparative analysis, recall scenarios in combination, such as best-case sales and worst-case costs.

The ExtendSim Scenario Manager offers a highly flexible framework for experimentation and analysis:

	Define factors (inputs) and responses (results) for any number of scenarios. Inputs and results can be dialog variables, databases, database tables, database fields, records, or any combination of these.
	All scenarios are automatically run multiple times and responses are recorded in an internal database.
	A report is generated showing the average, standard deviation, variance, maximum, minimum, and confidence interval for each response and scenario. Each line in the report represents a single scenario that has been run multiple times.
	Any number of scenarios can be generated. The individual responses from each scenario are available at the click of a button at any time.
	The Scenario Manager has a built-in interface to the JMP statistical software from SAS. Through this interface, JMP's design of experiments engine can generate the scenarios. The responses can also be exported to JMP for advanced analysis.

Advanced Resource Management (ARM)
Maximize resource utilization. Whenever supply and demand is an issue, management of resources is essential. Advanced Resource Management (ARM) in ExtendSim is an integrated system for organizing resources, distinguishing between them, and allocating them throughout a model. ARM provides a convenient and straightforward way to define complex resource requirements for items and a flexible set of rules for how resources get allocated to them. Plus, it provides automated methods for quickly changing resource information and generating statistical reports.

The ExtendSim ARM system's organization and allocation architecture is fueled by an ExtendSim database that represents, manages, and tracks the states and properties of resources, pools, groups, and allocation and release rules. Six blocks on the ExtendSim roster form the ExtendSim Advanced Resource Management team. At the heart of the ARM is the Resource Manager providing a convenient dialog-based interface to:

	Create, modify, manage, and delete resources
	Use pre-defined resource properties, or create custom properties, to distinguish resources and track their status
	Associate individual resources with a particular resource pool; nest pools within pools
	Define resource groups consisting of resources from one or more pools; assign properties to groups
	Create complex resource requirements using filtering conditions, quantity expressions, and nested AND/OR logic
	Declare custom resource allocation policies based on item properties
	Use pre-defined resource release rules or create custom rules for resource requirements
	Automatically log resource allocations, releases, and status transitions to the internal database

Enhanced Equation capabilities
Use the Equation Editor window to view, enter, and edit equations. This separate, scrollable window has been added to most equation-based blocks. Although equations can still be edited within the block’s dialog, there are advantages to editing the equation in the Equation Editor window:

	The Equation Editor window can be resized to fit larger equations
	Tabs can be used for indenting
	Code colorization is allowed, so code is more understandable
	Other editing commands, such as matching braces, are supported
Note:	Code Completion is accessible in both the Equation Editor and equation area. Code Completion makes it easier to recall function names and their arguments while creating equations.

Debug equation-based blocks in mere moments! Set breakpoints and conditions for equations, step through lines of code, and examine values of variables. Works like the ExtendSim source code debugger, but is specific to equation-based blocks.

Call an include file from an equation-based block. Simplify model maintenance when a set of commands (definitions, assignments, or functions) have multiple uses. These include files can allow functions and message handlers to be overwritten and compilation to be conditional.

More pre-defined input and output variable types make it easier to create equations.

New Query Equation and Query Equation(I) blocks
Use sophisticated tools to search a database table for the best record. The Query Equation and Query Equation(I) blocks are indispensable when a database holds information that is required for making decisions in a model.

	Rank the records in an ExtendSim database table and intelligently select one record, based on a ranking rule with the new Query Equation and Query Equation(I) blocks. A user-defined equation in the block’s dialog is calculated once for each record in the table; the results are used to assign a ranking for each record. The record with the best ranking is the one that gets selected.
	Just like all the other equation-based blocks, these two query blocks support multiple results in the Output Variables table. For example, in the Query Equation(I), attribute output variables can be used to set attributes on the passing item. In this case, however, the attribute values set on the item will be gleaned from the results that are associated with the best ranked record.
	The Query Equation(I) supports something called Spawning which allows the user to spawn or create new items that are associated with records in the query table. This can be used to create action items on the fly based on equation logic and findings from the query table.

Other New Blocks

Block Info
Reports information about the block connected to its input connector.

DBStatistics
Calculates a set of basic statistics for all of the records in a database field.

Event Monitor
Displays the event calendar in discrete event models, revealing the event times for all event posting blocks.

Link Alert
Registers a section of a database so that the block receives a message when data in the linked database changes.

Model Interface
Creates an interface for controlling a model.

Memory Usage
Calculates the amount of memory required for each block, global array, or database table in the model. It is helpful in locating where memory is being used in large models.

MYOB DB Dialogs
Shows how to develop ExtendSim database popup menus.

Slider
Provides a flexible slider for models. It can be cloned to the worksheet or Notebook, be linked to a database, and more.

Shift-Click support
Time-saving Shift-Click opens a dialog in which you may choose which block or feature should get a given variable. Shift-Click an appropriate dialog item to add variables to the Find, Optimizer, Scenario Manager, and Statistics blocks as well as for Sensitivity Analysis and in custom block development.

Plus many user-requested functions, system variables, and message handlers.

Reporting and controlling block contents
Activities and queue blocks now have a Contents tab that displays current contents as well as an historical log.

	Current Contents This mode displays a list of items currently in the block. Three options exist in current content: display contents during the run, at the end of the run only, or only when the snapshot button has been clicked. These options help minimize the potential impact that measuring contents can have on model run times.
	Historical Log This mode displays a list of all items that have entered and exited the block. The Control log time checkbox allows the time period during which the log should be recorded to be defined. The log table is linkable.
	Executive The Executive block now has an Item Contents tab which allows the contents settings of all the blocks in the model to be controlled remotely.

Improved ExtendSim DB Add-In for Excel
The ExtendSim DB Add-In has new features to help when creating and using ExtendSim databases:

	New menu commands: Check Database Consistency and Find Database Table
	Validation of parent/child content and relationships as well as uniqueness of table and field names
	Faster importing into Excel and improved error-checking when exporting from Excel
	Status bar reports the table and record being imported as well as the total that will be imported
	Color-coded parent and child fields, plus other enhancements

ExtendSim Database enhancements

	Added a Save and Next Field button in the Field Properties dialog to expedite the addition of fields to database tables.	Table Properties dialog
	New Table Properties dialog for initializing records in database tables. Deletes records either at the beginning of a new simulation run or at the beginning of a multi-run simulation.
	Reserved Database feature allows programmers to use database capabilities without the model-user being aware of the database.

E3D Animation improvements

	Number of objects in E3D window mount stack is counted and limited. If stack reaches more than a specified number, the count will appear on the top of the stack instead of the objects.
	Complete control of collision handling via custom code is enabled.
	New interface allows the selection of multiple blocks within a hierarchical block to be represented by 3D objects.

Rate library
The LP calculations in the Rate library have been enhanced for improved performance.

Create block enhancements

	Generate items from multiple random creation streams. (This feature requires the use of the ExtendSim Database and is infinitely scalable.)
	Specify a maximum number of items in the Create items infinitely mode.
	New option to show the Next event output connector.
	In Create items by schedule mode, Name Tracking is supported. If the schedule had DB Address Attributes defined in it, the Create block will do name tracking on any relevant changes that take place in the database.
	Multiple column support in the Create values by schedule mode so each row in the schedule may now create n values.
	The Create block can now dynamically change link registration location.

Shutdown block

	Is now integrated with the Shift block, so you can make a remote scheduled shutdown.
	In addition to “uptime only”, the progression towards the next failure can now be modeled as a function of simulation time and item count.
	All three modes can be modeled using single or multiple fail streams (which were called “competing failures” in v7).

Queue Matching block

	Queue ordering rules (FIFO, LIFO, Priority, and Attribute) have been added.
	An Order value input connector mimics the original Queue Matching ID connector from Extend 6.
	A new Common Group checkbox allows the user to classify one match attribute value as common, allowing matching with any other group.
	When the number of match attribute values gets very large, performance has been greatly enhanced.

Other blocks with significant changes

Activity
Now allows explicit control over the calculation of utilization and reports new status statistics (% busy and idle, % blocked, etc.)

Equation
New options are available for controlling messaging and when the equation recalculates.

Queue Equation
Controls put in to determine when the block recalculates, new release options, and more.

Read(I) and Write(I)
New option Item Count defines the record index. This option automatically increments the record index every time an item passes through.

Read(I)
New option Previous result specifies table, field, and record indexes to enable the use of the result from a previous read (a row higher in the table) as an index. Consequently, no longer must you place two or more Read(I) blocks in a row in models.

Unbatch
New option to duplicate preserved items. This carries all preserved items to the unbatched items.

Copying and deleting rows in the middle of a data table
A number of table driven blocks, including all equation-based blocks, the Write(I), and the Read(I), now have a mechanism for copying and deleting rows in the middle of the table. These new options will appear when the green ± resize button is clicked. Also, when the number of rows is increased, the contents of the original last row is used for the newly added rows.

Getting Started model
When you launch ExtendSim, the Getting Started control panel model gives you quick and easy access to recently opened models, starting a new model, viewing example models, videos with cool modeling tips, and more.

Pre-loading of libraries
The major ExtendSim libraries that ship with your product automatically preload on start-up.

ExtendSim Maintenance & Support

Effective with the release of ExtendSim 8, after the 60 day complimentary support period, assistance from our support staff is available either under an annual Maintenance Plan or on a Per-Incident basis.

For concurrent-user (network) licenses of ExtendSim – an annual Maintenance Plan for support and upgrades is required. For the first year, the Maintenance Plan is included in the price of the product; it must be renewed annually after the first year. The Maintenance Plan covers basic usage questions and troubleshooting by our support staff as well as upgrades to major releases.

For single-user (stand alone) licenses of ExtendSim – an annual Maintenance Plan for support and upgrades is optional but highly recommended. If a Maintenance Plan is purchased for the license... Basic usage questions and troubleshooting by our support staff is included. Upgrades to major releases are sent automatically. Discounts on special trainings and webinars are available. Exclusive access to upcoming new features. A Maintenance Plan subscription can only be purchased when a new single-user license or upgrade is purchased or within 60 days of that purchase. The Maintenance Plan must be renewed annually. If a Maintenance Plan is NOT purchased for the license... Our support staff will provide complimentary technical assistance for installation questions or bug reports related to the current release. Our support staff will provide complimentary assistance for basic usage questions and troubleshooting for a limited time. This support expires 60 days after the purchase of a new product or upgrade. (A Maintenance Plan may be purchased during this period.) For usage questions and troubleshooting after the first 60 days, purchase support on a per-incident basis; each incident is a discussion and resolution of one issue. Per-Incident Support can be purchased from our sales staff or through the ExtendSim Store.

ExtendSim Adopter (for educators only)
The philosophy at Imagine That Inc. has always been to propagate the use of simulation. A good place to start is by helping prepare future professionals for success. ExtendSim simulation tools help keep students engaged through inventive uses of technology that make learning not feel like learning. ExtendSim helps prepare students with real-world skills critical for careers in Industry where ExtendSim is widely used.

Becoming an ExtendSim Adopter offers educators at accredited institutions the opportunity to teach utilizing the full capabilities of ExtendSim — at no charge. After all, it only makes sense for schools to give students a competitive edge by teaching with the same products they will use once they graduate. Once approved as an ExtendSim Adopter, Imagine That Inc. will provide:

	An ExtendSim Academic Network License to the approved department at no charge. (Like the ExtendSim Network license, the ExtendSim Academic Network License deploys full functionality of the ExtendSim Suite tool to users on a network, but is limited to non-commercial use.)
	Students from the approved department the opportunity to purchase a limited version of ExtendSim ("ExtendSim LT") for their non-network use for $25 -- a 75% discount.

Accredited institutions where the primary focus is on educating students are eligible to apply for ExtendSim Adopter status. Institutions that support external systems, such as technology institutes, non- or for-profit hospitals, or think tanks, are not eligible for Adopter status. This program is only available for universities in North America.

To become an ExtendSim Adopter, we require:

	University and college/department name, address, and URL.
	Primary contact name, phone, email address.
	Contact information for other professors and/or graduate students in your department who will also use the software.
	Name of course in which ExtendSim is being taught – please submit course syllabus.
	The number of seats (up to a max of 100 seats) and platform (Windows or Macintosh) for the Academic Network License.
	A copy of the course syllabus for each semester you use the Academic Network License.
	License must be re-approved on a yearly basis to maintain Adopter status.

Use of the Academic Network License is restricted to the college/department using the license for teaching purposes and are approved ExtendSim Adopters. This license is not to be used for commercial purposes, such as research that is subsidized by a private or government enterprise.* Only currently enrolled students and professors within that college/department are authorized to use the Academic Network License.

If you choose to not become an ExtendSim Adopter, you may still purchase Academic Network Licenses at the cost of $125/seat with a minimum purchase of a 5-station license. There is a $25/seat annual renewal associated with this license as well.

*Projects are typically considered non-commercial if the simulation results are made publicly available. If some type of financial benefit results from simulation, fairly, you should pay market value. Academic software may not be used for commercial, professional, commercial training, or other for-profit purposes. Such uses are in violation of the ExtendSim License Agreement and could affect your status as an Adopter.