Enterprise Dynamics

Enterprise Dynamics is a discrete-event simulation software platform designed to model, analyze, and optimize complex systems and processes. It is developed and maintained by InControl Enterprise Dynamics, a software company headquartered in the Netherlands. The platform is used in applications ranging from manufacturing and logistics to supply chain, transportation, and infrastructure planning.

Overview

Enterprise Dynamics provides users with tools to create virtual representations of real-world systems, run simulations to explore different scenarios, and extract insights without impacting real operations. It supports both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) visualization environments, allowing for detailed modeling and presentation of system behavior. The software uses an object-oriented, event-driven modeling approach in which predefined components — commonly referred to as “atoms” — are dragged and dropped into a model workspace and configured to represent real system entities and interactions.

History

Enterprise Dynamics traces its origins to the Taylor II simulation software developed by F&H Simulations. In 1998, the initial simulation platform was introduced as Taylor Enterprise Dynamics. In 2000, F&H Simulations was acquired by InControl Business Engineers, and the software platform was rebranded as Enterprise Dynamics. Over time it has evolved into a comprehensive simulation environment with support for extensive modeling, visualization, and analysis features.

Since its inception, Enterprise Dynamics has undergone multiple major version releases, with enhancements in visualization, model scalability, data handling, user interface, and performance. The software continues development with periodic updates to expand functionality, improve performance, and support modern simulation requirements.

Features

Enterprise Dynamics combines graphical model building with advanced simulation capabilities:

• Drag-and-Drop Modeling: Users construct simulation models by placing and connecting predefined simulation objects, enabling intuitive model creation.
• 2D and 3D Visualization: The software supports both 2D layouts and immersive 3D environments for analyzing and communicating system behavior.
• Extensive Object Libraries: Ready-to-use simulation objects (atoms) cover a range of industry domains, with support for customization and extension.
• Data Integration: Enterprise Dynamics can integrate with external data sources and systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) or warehouse management systems (WMS), to enable data-driven modeling.
• Scenario Analysis: Users can construct and compare multiple scenarios to test alternative strategies or system configurations.
• Parameterization and Result Export: The platform enables detailed configuration of simulation parameters and supports exporting results for further analysis.

Fields of application

Enterprise Dynamics has been applied or is currently being applied in the following fields:

• Material handling
• Supply chain management
• Logistics and distribution
• Manufacturing and production
• Metropolitan development, including rail, harbors, and airports
• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Contact centers
• Sports and events
• Public service
• Education

Architecture

Enterprise Dynamics is an object-oriented simulation platform combined with an event-oriented approach. The user can select standard simulation objects (the so-called 'Atoms'), in which the behavior of their real life equivalents is captured, from a library and create a model by clicking and dragging the objects into the model space. For each simulation object, parameters can be altered to change its behavior.

Editions & Licensing

The Enterprise Dynamics platform is available under several licensing options, including basic viewing, runtime simulation, and developer editions with full modeling capabilities. A home or educational edition is also offered for academic and personal use.

Version history

Add-ons

Add-ons are available to extend the functionality of ED:

• CAD Import Wizard
• DLL Kit
• Emulation - OPC
• Security Kit
• OptQuest

Packages

• Advanced Robots This package contains a set of 3 commonly used robots, namely a Linear, SCARA and a vertical articulated robot which can be used for more detailed simulations.

• ASRS This package adds an Automated Storage and Retrieval System- or ASRS-atom to the installation of Enterprise Dynamics.

• Transfer Car This package contains a Transfer Car atom (Transport) and 2 example models (a pull and a push model). A Transfer Car system is a rail bound single or double track vehicle for fast and reasonable linear transport and/or to combine multiple input and output locations of material flow.

• Developer Tools With the developer Tools the option is given to more advanced users to also create their own packages, which simplifies the roll-out of libraries to end-users.

• OPC-client The OPC browser allows access to OPC-servers (v1.0, v2.0 and v3.0) and is a tool that makes it possible to easily browse and configure OPC services. Browsing OPC services is useful for seeing what is going on, however its main purpose in Enterprise Dynamics is to help setting up complex configurations.

• SDK The Software Development Kit is containing several advanced tools like a profiler (analyze the performance of a model), the DLL-kit (connect Enterprise Dynamics to a dll), ActiveX (connect Enterprise Dynamics to for instance Access, C#, Delphi, Excel of VB), connect a model using sockets or create an automated help documentation via Doxygen.

References