FlexSim vs Forio
FlexSim
flexsim.com
Forio
forio.comSide by side
| Figure | FlexSim | Forio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $164.17/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Business Simulation Software | 7.8 (#10) | 9.0 (#3) |
| Company history | FlexSim says it began in 1993 and that Autodesk acquired FlexSim Software Products in November 2023. | Forio was founded in 2001 by Will Glass-Husain and Michael Bean after they met at MIT's Sloan System Dynamics Lab. |
| Founded | 1993 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA | Burlingame, California, USA |
| Security | The product page links to Autodesk privacy and legal pages, but the opened FlexSim product and company pages do not state a security certification or compliance standard. | The Epicenter page describes OAuth 2.0 security, role-based project access, and cloud or on-premises deployment. |
| Support | Technical support is included for customers with active maintenance or subscription, and the support page aims for a first response within two working days. | Forio states that simulation technical support is available during normal business hours by email. |
Plans
Forio
- Epicenter PersonalFree
- Ready-Made Simulations$168, paid once
- Ready-Made SimulationsPriced on request
- Epicenter Professional$1,970 a year
- Performer setup and training$2,700, paid once
- Epicenter Business$4,770 a year
- Performer Business$7,200 a year
- Custom SimulationsPriced on request
- Epicenter EnterprisePriced on request
- Performer EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
FlexSim
FlexSim is 3D discrete-event simulation software for modeling and improving existing or proposed systems. Its realistic 3D graphics visualize system behavior, while drag-and-drop controls let users place objects and resources and import CAD drawings or custom 3D objects. Model-building options include a Standard Object Library, Process Flow activity blocks, FlexScript, and C++ integration. For analysis, FlexSim offers charts, graphs, data tracking, and spreadsheet export. OptQuest integration supports scenario optimization using variables, constraints, and multiple objectives. The Experimenter compares scenarios, distributes replications across CPU cores, and supports report generation and performance measures. Data can be imported and exported through Excel and SQL connectors, with FlexScript APIs for files, sockets, and HTTP requests. The Emulation tool supports Modbus, OPC DA, OPC UA, and certain manufacturer-specific PLC connections; some require an Emulation license. FlexSim is listed for Windows and web, with desktop deployment. Pricing is on request; the free Express trial plan has limits including 30 3D objects and 35 Process Flow activities.
Forio
Forio builds interactive simulations for training and higher education, with options for ready-made business learning and tailored projects. Epicenter is its platform for creating learning simulations with model-driven interfaces, cohort management, and secure deployment. Ready-Made simulations support individual, team-based, and asynchronous formats. Forio also develops custom simulations with customers and says the customer owns the resulting intellectual property. Performer provides branded role-play experiences with scoring criteria, facilitator dashboards, and AI feedback for select exercises. Epicenter supports Python, R, and Julia models, along with Vensim and Stella, and includes Flow.js, Epicenter.js, and REST APIs. It can connect LLMs and AI libraries through Python or APIs, and describes OAuth 2.0 security and role-based project access. Epicenter Personal is free. Ready-Made Simulations start at $168, paid once; Epicenter Professional costs $1,970 a year, and Epicenter Business costs $4,770 a year. Performer Business costs $7,200 a year, plus a one-time set-up and training fee of $2,700.