Simulation Dynamics

ExtendSim training

ExtendSim training from the people who wrote the first course

Andy Siprelle created the original official ExtendSim training course, back when the product was still called Extend. We have taught it ever since: discrete event basics, discrete rate, the database, ModL and custom blocks. We teach it online or at your site, and on your own models when you want that.

See dates and register See the courses
Simulation model of two packing scenarios: packing at the plant versus shipping bulk to the distribution center and packing there
A real model: should the plant pack the product, or should the DC? Courses use exercises like this. Read the case.

Schedule

Upcoming ExtendSim classes

Live online, taught by Andy and Amber Siprelle. Each course runs once a quarter. Need other dates? Ask about a private online class or an on-site class for your team.

CourseDatesTimeFormatFee
ExtendSim FundamentalsNov 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 2026
6 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
Discrete Rate Modeling with the Rate LibraryDec 1, 3, 8, 10, 2026
4 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
ExtendSim FundamentalsJan 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 2027
6 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
Discrete Rate Modeling with the Rate LibraryFeb 9, 11, 16, 18, 2027
4 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
Data-Driven Models: Database and ExperimentsMar 9, 11, 16, 18, 2027
4 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
ExtendSim FundamentalsApr 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 2027
6 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
Discrete Rate Modeling with the Rate LibraryMay 11, 13, 18, 20, 2027
4 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister
Data-Driven Models: Database and ExperimentsJun 8, 10, 15, 17, 2027
4 sessions, Tue & Thu		10:00 am–12:00 pm ET (2 h)Live onlineOn requestRegister

Why learn ExtendSim from SDI

We built a good part of what you will be learning

We wrote the first course

Andy created the original official ExtendSim training program, and Amber led it for many years after him. SDI has trained thousands of simulation professionals in public workshops and private classes.

We built the rate libraries

Andy created bulk flow simulation in 1990. Our Bulk Flow (Rate) and Database libraries became the origin of ExtendSim's Discrete Rate and Database libraries. How discrete rate works.

We still build in it

For 35+ years we have built ExtendSim models, custom blocks and libraries for real plants and supply chains. We teach the habits that keep a model usable after the class ends. Our ExtendSim work.

ExtendSim courses

Courses, from first model to custom blocks

Each course runs on-site for your team or live online in shorter sessions. Take them in order, or let us combine modules into one class built around your model.

  • Beginner
  • 3 days on-site
  • or 6 online sessions

ExtendSim Fundamentals

A solid start in discrete event simulation with ExtendSim. You build models step by step from an empty worksheet, with good modeling habits from the first block.

  • How simulation handles time, items, queues and flows
  • The Item library: Create, Queue, Activity, Resource Pool, Batch and Unbatch, Select Item In and Out, Exit
  • The Value library for calculations, random numbers and lookup tables
  • Downtime, shifts, routing, batching, blocking and starving
  • Hierarchy, cloning and notebooks: models other people can read
  • Random seeds, replications, and checking the model against real data

Before you start: basic Windows skills and basic statistics. No simulation experience needed.

  • Intermediate
  • 2 days on-site
  • or 4 online sessions

Discrete Rate Modeling with the Rate Library

How to model high-speed lines and bulk flow as rates instead of items, so models of filling, packing and processing lines run fast and stay accurate. This method started at SDI.

  • When rate-based modeling beats item-based modeling, and when it doesn't
  • Tank, Valve, Convey Flow, Merge, Diverge and Interchange
  • Flow units and unit changes from bulk product to cases to pallets
  • Accumulation conveyors, surge buffers and line speed control
  • Machine downtime and its knock-on blocking and starving
  • Checking line efficiency against what the line actually did

Before you start: ExtendSim Fundamentals or equivalent experience.

  • Intermediate
  • 2 days on-site
  • or 4 online sessions

Data-Driven Models: ExtendSim Database and Experiments

Keep the data out of the blocks and in tables, then run experiments that hold up in a meeting. This course grew out of our SDI Industry database and experiments classes.

  • Planning what data a model needs, and where it comes from
  • The ExtendSim database: tables, fields, parent-child links and random values
  • Reading inputs and writing results from the model while it runs
  • Moving data in and out of Excel
  • Scenarios, independent variables, random seeds and replications
  • Summarizing results in pivot tables people understand

Before you start: ExtendSim Fundamentals or experience building discrete event models. Some Excel.

  • Advanced
  • 3 days on-site
  • or online half-days

ModL Programming and Custom Blocks

How ExtendSim works behind the scenes. You learn how blocks post events and talk to each other, how to change an existing block, and how to build your own blocks and libraries.

  • A block's parts: dialog, script, icon and connectors
  • Messages and message handlers in discrete event and continuous models
  • Building an event-posting block
  • Procedures, functions, arrays and include files
  • Animation, debugging and file input and output
  • Making a block general enough to reuse, and sharing code across a library

Before you start: ExtendSim modeling experience. Some programming helps; the course doesn't teach basic programming.

  • All levels
  • By the session
  • Online or on-site

Model Review and Coaching

One-on-one or small-group sessions on your own ExtendSim model. Bring the model and the question; we work through it with you.

  • A structured review of logic, data and validation
  • Pair-building the next part of the model
  • Speeding up slow models
  • Bringing older Extend models up to current ExtendSim releases
  • Handing a model to a new owner, with notes they can follow

Before you start: a model, or a question you want a model to answer. Under NDA when you need one.

  • Your team
  • Up to 5 days
  • At your site

Team Class Built on Your Line

Any of the modules above, combined into one class for your team and taught on a model of your own line, plant or supply chain.

  • The topics your team needs, in the order it needs them
  • Exercises built from your equipment, rates and downtime data
  • A working model of your operation at the end of the week
  • Follow-up coaching while the team takes the model further

Works best for: 4 to 10 people. We travel to you.

Formats

On-site, live online, or one-on-one

Classes are small and taught live by Andy and Amber Siprelle, never from a recording. Every course has hands-on exercises with solution files you keep.

FormatHow it runsBest for
On-siteFull days at your plant or officeA team learning together on its own model
Live onlineSessions of about 2 hours, with homework betweenSpread-out teams; keeping up with the day job
CoachingBooked sessions on your modelA modeler partway through a real project

Where to start

Which ExtendSim course first?

  • New to ExtendSim or to simulation: Fundamentals.
  • Modeling filling, packing or bulk process lines: Fundamentals, then Discrete Rate.
  • Models that run on plant or ERP data: Database and Experiments.
  • Building blocks or libraries for others: ModL Programming.
  • Already modeling and stuck: Model Review and Coaching.

Licenses come from ANDRITZ, which also runs its own public ExtendSim courses. We teach what you run on the license you have.

Keep learning

Free ExtendSim learning resources

Questions

Is this the official ANDRITZ ExtendSim course?

No. SDI is an independent consultancy. Andy wrote the original official ExtendSim course, and we have taught ExtendSim ever since, but our courses are our own. ANDRITZ, which makes ExtendSim, runs its own public classes.

Who teaches the ExtendSim courses?

Andy and Amber Siprelle teach every class. Andy wrote the original official ExtendSim course and created the rate-based modeling behind the Rate library. Amber led SDI's ExtendSim training for many years.

Do we need an ExtendSim license to take a course?

Yes, each student needs ExtendSim installed and activated before class. A trial license works for the Fundamentals course. Licenses come from ANDRITZ or its resellers.

Which ExtendSim version do you teach?

The current releases, plus older Extend and ExtendSim versions when your models live there. We can also help move old models forward.

Can the course use our own model and data?

Yes, and we recommend it. Team classes are built on a model of your line, plant or supply chain. We sign an NDA whenever you need one.

Do I need discrete event or discrete rate?

Discrete event fits jobs, orders, people and vehicles. Discrete rate fits high-speed lines and bulk flow, where tracking every can or bag makes a model slow. Many real models use both, and the Discrete Rate course covers how they fit together.

How much does ExtendSim training cost?

It depends on the course, the number of people and the format. Tell us who needs training and on what, and we'll send a plan and a price.

Case studies

The kind of models we teach from

Real ExtendSim projects: a chemical bagging operation and an olive plant built on our rate libraries.

Manufacturing

Chemical bagging lines: capacity vs. overtime

Weighing new bagging lines against overtime, and finding low-capital room to grow.
Manufacturing

Olive plant capacity: 15% more throughput

Finding the real bottlenecks in an olive plant, and 15% more throughput from scheduling.

15% throughput improvement
Also taught: Plant Simulation training ReliaSim® training All training

Tell us your problem

Plan your ExtendSim training

Who needs training, which course, on-site or online, and is there a model you want to teach from? We'll send a plan.

  • A straight answer on whether simulation is the right tool
  • Which tool fits, even if it isn't one we use every day
  • A rough scope and timeline, before any commitment

Or book a 30-minute call.

We reply within one business day. Prefer email? info@simulationdynamics.com