FlexSim

What FlexSim does

FlexSim Software Products, Inc. is a 3D discrete-event simulation software company founded in 1993 in Orem, Utah, by William Nordgren. The company's flagship FlexSim platform enables organizations to build dynamic computer models of complex systems and run what-if scenarios in a photorealistic 3D environment before committing to physical implementation. The product architecture is modular: a core simulation engine is extended through vertical and capability modules including FlexSim HC for healthcare, OptQuest for optimization, and specialized add-ons for AGV/AMR, conveyors, people flow, GIS-based supply chain, A* navigation, PLC emulation, digital twins, Industry 4.0 (xMark), and sustainability (Flexcon Helios). The technology differentiates through drag-and-drop object libraries, a no-code Process Flow logic tool, deep interoperability with NVIDIA Omniverse/OpenUSD, Microsoft Project Bonsai for reinforcement learning, OPC UA for industrial controls, and CAD packages (AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit). Following Autodesk's October 2023 acquisition, FlexSim operates as a subsidiary of Autodesk, Inc.

The company serves enterprise customers across manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, supply chain, material handling, container terminals, airports, and mining, with named Fortune 500 users including Walmart, Lockheed Martin, Eli Lilly, and LM Wind Power. Revenue is generated through software licensing (perpetual and subscription), annual maintenance and support contracts, training courses (Core Training, Advanced Training, Healthcare Core Training), and model-building consulting services delivered through the internal team and a global distributor network (Flexcon s.r.l. in Italy, FlexSim InterMarium in Poland, and partners across Europe, Latin America, and Asia). Distribution now flows primarily through Autodesk's direct enterprise sales channel, supplemented by a self-serve FlexSim Account portal for the free Express version evaluation and SMB license management, and a dedicated academic licensing program (e.g., a multi-year license valued at over $100,000 with Politecnico di Torino).

Name

FlexSim

Legal name

FlexSim Software Products, Inc.

Website

http://www.flexsim.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FlexSim is a 3D discrete-event simulation software platform serving enterprise customers in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and supply chain with risk-free virtual modeling, now operated as a subsidiary of Autodesk following the October 2023 acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Discrete-Event Simulation Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Robot Software, Autonomy Stacks & Simulation (ROS, digital twins) (HDAAAIAK)

Keywords

• Discrete event simulation
• 3D simulation software
• Manufacturing process simulation
• Warehouse simulation modeling
• Digital twin software

Headquarters

HQ city

Orem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses: FlexSim generates primary revenue from software licensing including both perpetual one-time licenses and subscription-based models. Enterprise licenses with full feature access are sold alongside the free Express version for evaluation
2. Maintenance and Support: Annual maintenance and support contracts provide ongoing updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. First response within 2 working days for licensed users with active maintenance or subscription
3. Training Services: Comprehensive training courses including Core Training, Advanced Training for AGV, Warehousing, and Conveyors, and specialized Healthcare Core Training. Delivered through hands-on sessions and personalized attention
4. Model Building and Consulting: Expert consulting services for simulation model development, optimization, and project guidance. Consulting support packages provide direct access to simulation experts who help guide projects to deliver insights faster
5. Academic Licensing: Educational institution licensing including academic licenses valued at $100,000+ USD for universities like Politecnico di Torino, with specialized support and training for engineering courses

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

FlexSim develops and sells 3D discrete-event simulation modeling and analysis software that enables organizations to build dynamic computer models of complex systems (manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, supply chain, material handling) and run what-if scenarios to validate designs, identify bottlenecks, and optimize operations before physical implementation. The platform includes a modular architecture with specialized add-ons for AGV/AMR, conveyors, people-based systems, PLC emulation, digital twins, and healthcare, plus a free Express edition and professional consulting/training services.

Product overview

FlexSim is a unified 3D discrete-event simulation software platform with a modular architecture. The core product is FlexSim, a comprehensive simulation modeling tool that serves as the foundation for the entire portfolio. The product line includes specialized vertical solutions (FlexSim HC for healthcare) and add-on modules for specific capabilities (OptQuest optimization, AGV Module, People Module, Conveyor Module, GIS Module, A* Navigation, PLC Emulation, Digital Twin, xMark Industry 4.0, and Flexcon Helios sustainability). Additional offerings include Process Flow for visual logic building, a free Express version for evaluation, and professional services for model building, consulting, and training. The platform is now owned by Autodesk following acquisition in 2023.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FlexSim Flagship 3D simulation modeling and analysis software for discrete-event simulation that lets users build dynamic computer models of systems and run what-if scenarios to validate designs and optimize operations before physical implementation. Used by Fortune 500 enterprises in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and supply chain.
• FlexSim HC (Healthcare) Specialized healthcare simulation software with a patient-centered environment for modeling effective healthcare systems and generating data for analyzing current or proposed healthcare operations such as patient flow, emergency department throughput, and capacity planning.
• OptQuest Optimization engine integrated with FlexSim for finding best answers to operational questions by running automated what-if optimization scenarios for allocation, routing, scheduling, and resource problems.
• xMark + Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 module enabling digital twin creation, PLC emulation, and advanced manufacturing system simulation to support smart factory initiatives.
• Digital Twin Module Enables creation of detailed 3D digital twins for factory planning and optimization, allowing stakeholders to visualize and test systems before physical production begins.
• PLC Emulation Module Module enabling emulation and testing of industrial control systems with OPC UA protocol support, allowing validation of PLC logic within the simulation environment before deployment to physical equipment.
• AGV Module Dedicated module for modeling automated guided vehicle (AGV) and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems with pre-built templates for parking, loading/unloading, work generation, Kiva, and AutoStore systems.
• People Module Module for modeling people-based systems including airports, hospitals, restaurants, and service operations with specialized 3D objects, bone animation, and Process Flow activities.
• Conveyor Module Comprehensive library for simulating conveyor systems with options for slug building, release, picking operations, reversible conveyors, and power and free conveyor systems used in material handling environments.
• GIS Module Geographic Information System module for supply chain and logistics simulation with map-based visualization and analysis for transportation routing and network optimization.
• Flexcon Helios Sustainability Module Sustainability module designed to help manufacturers optimize energy use, reduce operational costs, and lower carbon emissions through granular energy forecasting, production schedule optimization, and conveyor power demand modeling.
• FlexSim Express Free version of FlexSim for individual learning and evaluation with full feature access for non-commercial use, providing an upgrade path to the Enterprise license.
• Model Building & Consulting Services Professional services team with 100+ years combined consulting experience building accurate, detailed simulation models for clients across manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, supply chain, and other industries.
• Training Services Comprehensive training courses including Core Training, Advanced Training for AGVs, Warehousing, and Conveyors, and specialized FlexSim HC Healthcare Core Training, delivered through hands-on instructor-led sessions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Congestion rate reduced from 66.27% to 12.51% through dynamic storage allocation optimization validated by FlexSim simulation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability4 records

Feature15 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• Numina GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 April 2026Numina Group showcases FlexSim simulation software at MODEX 2026 for warehouse automation demonstrations, showing how autonomous mobile robots and voice-directed picking can be validated for ROI and performance prior to implementation.
• AutodeskflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2023Autodesk signed a definitive agreement to acquire FlexSim in October 2023. This acquisition provides opportunity to expand and enhance FlexSim's capabilities as part of Autodesk's global product development ecosystem. FlexSim continues operating with its product suite including FlexSim, FlexSim HC, and OptQuest.
• ComaucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2018Joint development of Industry 4.0 technologies including digital twin project with virtual reality application for automotive sector and exoskeleton simulation project integrating FlexSim with human motion capture technology for ergonomic analysis in manufacturing.
• Cempel Consulting / SMART Technology GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 14 July 2016Partnership with Cempel Consulting (FlexSim's partner in Poland) and SMART Technology Group (Swiss/Polish) to develop RFID simulation services. Model allows companies to compare RFID against other labeling methods in realistic, visually compelling simulations.
• Politecnico di TorinocoreOthers · 14 May 2015University partnership providing academic licenses valued at over $100,000 USD for Department of Management and Production Engineering. Flexcon s.r.l. provides training and specialized support to promote simulation within engineering courses. University will develop thesis projects based on simulation approach.
• RPM (RungePincockMinarco)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 February 2014RPM utilizes FlexSim's truck haulage simulation application in their HAULSIM product, the first industry-specific haulage simulation solution for mining. HAULSIM is the most powerful tool available for modeling, analyzing, visualizing, and optimizing a haulage network in open-pit mines.
• Flexcon s.r.l.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlexSim's Italian partner responsible for European distribution, training, consulting, and support services. Co-developed Industry 4.0 projects with Comau including digital twin and exoskeleton simulation. Supports Politecnico di Torino academic partnership.
• ModSim ConnectedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for STEM education through simulation. Created Zombie Attack simulation game for Chesapeake libraries STEM ModSim Challenge, enhancing youth awareness of modeling and simulation technology in Virginia.
• Academic Research InstitutionsminorOthersResearch collaboration including study published in International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology using FlexSim to optimize Picking-By-Line warehouse operations, validated against real-world data from Portuguese retail distribution center.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• NVIDIA (Omniverse): NVIDIA Omniverse is a 3D collaboration and simulation platform for industrial digital twins. It is a strategic integration partner (FlexSim has a native Omniverse connector) and an emerging ecosystem player that could both complement and compete with FlexSim at the high end of industrial simulation.

Direct peers

• Simio: Simio is a discrete-event simulation software vendor focused on production, logistics, and healthcare. It is a direct FlexSim competitor and notably the party in the patent litigation that FlexSim successfully defended against at the Federal Circuit in 2021.
• Dassault Systèmes DELMIA: DELMIA is Dassault Systèmes' manufacturing, logistics, and operations simulation suite within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It directly competes with FlexSim in 3D manufacturing, supply chain, and ergonomics simulation, with deep integration into the broader 3DS PLM ecosystem.
• Arena Simulation (by Rockwell Automation): Arena Simulation is a widely deployed discrete-event simulation tool owned by Rockwell Automation, focused on manufacturing, logistics, and process improvement. It competes with FlexSim in many of the same enterprise and academic use cases.
• ProModel: ProModel provides simulation and optimization tools for manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, with similar discrete-event modeling capabilities to FlexSim. It is a direct competitor in the mid-market and consulting segment.
• ExtendSim: ExtendSim is a discrete-event, continuous, and agent-based simulation tool used for manufacturing, logistics, and process improvement. It is a direct competitor with comparable feature set in process flow modeling and discrete-event simulation.
• AnyLogic: AnyLogic is a leading discrete-event, agent-based, and system dynamics simulation platform used for manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain modeling. It is the closest direct competitor to FlexSim in 3D discrete-event simulation and serves the same enterprise and consulting markets.
• Siemens Plant Simulation (Tecnomatix): Siemens Plant Simulation is part of the Tecnomatix portfolio and is a leading discrete-event simulation tool for manufacturing, logistics, and production planning. It is a direct competitor in factory and material handling simulation, with the advantage of bundling into Siemens' broader industrial software ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Visual Components: Visual Components is a 3D manufacturing simulation and robot offline programming (OLP) platform. It overlaps with FlexSim in 3D factory simulation and robotics integration but is more focused on robotics-specific applications, especially in the European automotive market.

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk (parent): Autodesk acquired FlexSim in October 2023 and is now the parent company. Autodesk's broader portfolio (AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, Fusion) provides CAD/PLM-adjacent capabilities and represents the strategic distribution vehicle for FlexSim going forward.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/FlexSim
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flexsim
• Xx.com/FlexSim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FlexSim