Comparison

SimVSM vs Time Study Buddy

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SimVSM

Easily create and document value streams on your mobile device. Visualize process steps, calculate KPIs, and identify areas for improvement. Offers free basic functionality with optional subscriptions for advanced features like printing and simulation.

Highlights
  • Drag & drop value stream modeling
  • Digital and visual documentation
  • Calculation of static KPIs
  • Dynamic cycle time and flow rate calculation
  • Classification of value-adding/non-value-adding steps
  • Plausibility checks during modeling
  • Multiple view modes
Read full description

With SimVSM you can quickly record your value streams via drag & drop on a mobile device. A variety of functions facilitate the modelling, documentation, and versioning of value streams: - Digital and visually appealing modelling with value stream and note objects - Consideration of weekly shift plans - Selection of different value stream object symbols for more function-specific documentation of system components in value streams - Calculation of many static value stream KPIs - Classification and visualization of value-adding and non-value-adding process steps - Dynamic display and calculation of cycle times and flow rate - Copy and create several value stream alternatives in one project (max. 2; for extensions see also "Standard" subscription) - Plausibility checks during modelling - Different view modes for more compact display of parameters - Additional modelling functions for the extended documentation of information and data flows in value streams, for example for identification of structural breaks, unused potentials, or data waste With the SimVSM App you can use the above features for free. The following in-app purchases / subscriptions are currently available for an extended range of functions: "Standard" subscription: - Unlimited number of projects and alternatives - Printing of value streams - Saving images (png) and vector graphics (svg) of value streams - Export and import of projects "Premium" subscription: - Everything from "Standard", plus: - Recording and storage of camera images of individual value stream objects - Overview map for large value streams - Execution and storage of measurement series with integrated stopwatch functionality - Comparing and reverting of parameter values to main alternative - Customizing of links and text items - Additional geometric shapes - Saving of all changes in the information flow dialog (VSM 4.0) "Ultimate" subscription: - Everything from "Premium", plus: - Access to all features of the app - Performing of unlimited simulation runs The subscriptions (except "Ultimate") can be tested free of charge for one month. After the free trial period, a subscription is automatically renewed for one month or one year (depending on the chosen length) if it is not cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the trial period. Your Apple ID account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours of the free trial expiration date. Your subscription will automatically renew if it is not cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions after purchase via the App Store account settings. If you are interested in the coupling with the value stream simulator or in a central project management to exchange your value streams with colleagues, please contact simvsm@simplan.de with the keyword "SimVSM Pro". - By connecting to a value stream simulator, you also get a dynamic evaluation of the modelled value stream. This includes the development of on-time delivery, process utilization, bottleneck analysis, throughput, stock levels and lead times against the background of dynamic conditions over time. - Project management allows projects to be stored centrally and exchanged with authorized users. Should you also have customizing requirements regarding the use of your own value stream objects, logos, or symbols, we also offer a variety of different options. Further information can also be found at www.simvsm.de Terms of Use: https://www.simvsm.de/app-termsofservice/ Privacy Policy: https://www.simvsm.de/en/data-protection/

About

Time Study Buddy

Streamline your time study process with this mobile application, designed to sync seamlessly with your desktop software. It offers specialized support for California County Social Services and Public Health programs. This tool is available at no cost to existing county customers.

Highlights
  • Parallel time study entry
  • Automatic data mirroring
  • Desktop software integration
  • Specialized county program support
  • Free for existing customers
Features
Read full description

Too busy to do your time study? You can now use this app to do so. It works in parallel with your existing desktop software. Entries in one are automatically mirrored in the other. This app is free for our existing county customers. We currently offer specialized products for two programs within California: County Social Services, and County Public Health MAA/TCM We host the hardware and software and county workers complete their time studies using either this app or on their desktop computer. For more information find us on the web or contact help@timestudybuddy.com

Screenshots

SimVSM4 screens
Time Study Buddy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Time Study Buddy at 100% against SimVSM's 0%. Time Study Buddy also leads on rating (3.0 vs 2.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 9). SimVSM's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SimVSM sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Time Study Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Time Study Buddy holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of SimVSM's written reviews are positive against 100% of Time Study Buddy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimVSM ships an update every 6 weeks, Time Study Buddy every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SimVSM versus Time Study Buddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimVSMTime Study Buddy
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.0 (1 ratings)3.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSimPlan AGFiscal Experts, Inc.

Customer experience

SimVSM

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Time Study Buddy

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

9 purchases

SimVSM

Subscriptions7
  • VSM 4.0 subscription1 Month trial$8.991 Month
  • Standard$8.991 Month
  • Premium (monthly)1 Month trial$24.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • VSM 4.01 Month trial$71.991 Year
  • Standard (Annual)$89.991 Year
  • Premium (annual)1 Month trial$249.001 Year
  • Ultimate subscription$449.001 Month
One-time2
  • Free simulation runsFree
  • Expert addon$49.99
None

Time Study Buddy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimVSM free?
SimVSM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Time Study Buddy free?
Time Study Buddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SimVSM or Time Study Buddy?
Time Study Buddy is rated higher. SimVSM averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Time Study Buddy averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do SimVSM or Time Study Buddy have ads?
Neither SimVSM nor Time Study Buddy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimVSM or Time Study Buddy?
SimVSM ships an update every 6 weeks, and Time Study Buddy every 4 months. Most recently, SimVSM was updated on September 28, 2026 and Time Study Buddy on June 1, 2026.

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