FlexSim 3D Simulation Software

FlexSim began in 1993 as F&H Simulations, Inc. and became FlexSim Software Products, Inc. in 2000. Autodesk acquired the company in November 2023, and FlexSim is now sold as an Autodesk product. It provides 3D simulation software for understanding and improving systems such as factories, warehouses, material handling, supply chains, airports, container terminals and hospitals.

Users build models in a native 3D environment by dragging objects from a standard library, importing CAD drawings and defining logic with the Process Flow tool and FlexScript. The Experimenter runs and compares scenarios across CPU cores, and the OptQuest optimizer searches for the best combination of variables. Additional capabilities include value stream mapping, digital twin and PLC emulation, and FlexSim HC for healthcare.

• Native 3D modeling: drag-and-drop objects, CAD import and custom 3D shapes.
• Process Flow: flowchart-style activity blocks define model logic without heavy coding.
• Experimenter: runs replications and scenarios in parallel and generates reports.
• OptQuest optimizer: evaluates many solutions under variables, constraints and multiple objectives.
• Analysis tools: charts, Stats Collector, zone tracking and spreadsheet export.
• Extensions: FlexScript and C++ integration, PLC emulation and USD export of object properties.

A third-party logistics provider in Vietnam could size AGV fleets and docks for a new warehouse. A manufacturer could compare line configurations and buffer sizes before a plant expansion. A port or container terminal could test yard and equipment scenarios.

Teams can test what-if changes risk-free while accounting for time, space and variability, instead of experimenting on live operations. 3D visualization helps stakeholders validate and accept proposals. Scenario runs and the OptQuest optimizer compare many alternatives quickly, and a free trial lets buyers evaluate the software before purchase.

Warehouse automation, AGVs and new factory projects in Southeast Asia raise the cost of layout and capacity mistakes. Discrete event simulation lets planners size equipment and staffing before investing, and links to USD and digital twin workflows are bringing simulation closer to operations.

FlexSim began in 1993 as F&H Simulations, Inc. and was renamed FlexSim Software Products, Inc. in 2000. Autodesk acquired it in November 2023, and the contact page lists Autodesk, Inc. in San Francisco. FlexSim 2025 Update 1 was released in April 2025.