Basic Training Course

Course Outline
Chapter 1. Simulation basics Chapter 2. Flexsim basics Chapter 3. Flexsim terminology Chapter 4. Flexsim modeling steps Chapter 5. Flexsim object library Chapter 6. Commands and constructs Chapter 7. Concepts and models
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Chapter 1
Simulation Basics

What is Simulation?
Simulation is the imitation of a system, based on knowledge or assumptions about the behavior of the parts of that system, with the purpose of obtaining insight in the behavior of the whole system.

Problems solved with simulation

Service problems the need to process customers and their requests at the highest level of satisfaction for the lowest possible cost. Manufacturing problems the need to make the right product at the right time for the lowest possible cost. Logistic problems the need to get the right product to the right place at the right time for the lowest possible cost.
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Simulation uses
improve equipment utilization reduce waiting time and queue sizes allocate resources efficiently eliminate stock-out problems minimize negative effects of breakdowns minimize negative effects of rejects and waste study alternative investment ideas determine part throughput times study cost reduction plans establish optimum batch sizes and part sequencing resolve material handling issues study effect of setup times and tool changeovers optimize prioritization and dispatching logic for goods and services train operators in overall system behavior and job related performance demonstrate new tool design and capabilities manage day-to-day operational decision making plc controls, real-time monitoring
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Discrete Event Simulation

Used to model systems which change state at discrete points in time as a result of specific events State variables:
machine status (idle, busy, down, etc.) queue content operator availability, etc.

System events:
order arrival product movement machine process start machine breakdown, etc.
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Chapter 2
Flexsim Basics

Flexsim Basics
A Flexsim model is basically a system of queues, processes, and transportation. Processing is simply a forced delay. Transportation is the movement of an entity from one resource to another. Queues develop naturally in a model when upstream arrival rates exceed the downstream processing rates.
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Flexsim Basics
Modeling objects typically include:
fixed resources (i.e. queue, machines) shared resources (i.e. operators) mobile resources (i.e. forklifts, elevators).

Entities flow through the model from one fixed resource to another. We call these entities flowitems in Flexsim. Flowitems hold information (i.e. labels and itemtypes) that can be set and queried in the model to define process times and make routing decisions.
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Flexsim Basics
Sometimes an operator must be available before the processing time for a flowitem can start, and sometimes the processing time starts immediately upon entry into the fixed resource. Sometimes the flowitems are carried to the next fixed resource via a mobile resource, and sometimes they are simply moved instantaneously.

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Flexsim Basics
Most modeling information is defined on the fixed resources in a model. Such as:
how long to process the flowitem where to send the flowitem next call a shared resource (operator) for processing the flowitem call a mobile resource to transport the flowitem to the next fixed resource
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Chapter 3
Flexsim Terminology

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Flexsim Terminology
model a collection of object instances representing an actual system -with just enough detail to answer the questions you are concerned with. object a model building block with inherited behavior, and user-definable attributes, variables, and visual properties. library a list of class objects to be used in building a model. Instances are created in the model when an object is dragged from the library icon grid into one of the view windows (orthographic, perspective)

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Flexsim Terminology
flowitem the entities that flow through a model such as products, customers, paperwork, phone calls, etc. are called flowitems. FixedResource class objects which receive and send flowitems
Processor Queue Conveyor

TaskExecuter class shared resources and mobile resources that perform assigned tasks
Operator Transport
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Flexsim Terminology
task a single instruction or action to be performed by a TaskExecuter object. tasksequence a group of tasks to be performed in a set order. A tasksequence is sent to either a Dispatcher or TaskExecuter object. A Dispatcher will queue a tasksequence as necessary and send it to a TaskExecuter as they become available. TaskExecuters will execute the tasks of the tasksequence.
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Flexsim Terminology
itemtype all flowitems have an attribute called itemtype. Its a numeric identifier used to distinguish one type of flowitem from another in processing and routing decisions in a model. labels information may also be stored on flowitems (and other modeling objects) in the form of labels. You may define as many labels on a flowitem or object as you would like. Labels have a name and data. The data may be numeric, string, list, or table
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Flexsim Terminology
ports objects have output, input and center ports. Output-to-input port connections define possible flowitem routes. Center port connections are for referencing purposes, and are typically used to define which taskexecuter will be called for processing or transportation. Port connections are made and broken by holding a letter down on the keyboard while click-and-dragging from one object to another.
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Flexsim Terminology
triggers when key events occur on an object, a trigger is fired. The user may specify a variety of things they want to have happen when a trigger fires. There are triggers for when a flowitem enters or exits an object. There are triggers for when a process time finishes or a repair time is complete. Each type of object has a unique set of triggers. message information sent from one object to another. When the message is received, a trigger is fired. A message is sent with a command. Messages may be sent immediately (sendmessage), or after a specified period of time (senddelayedmessage). 19

Flexsim Terminology
variables Objects have system variables such as process time, maximum capacity, speed, etc. that can be defined uniquely for each instance. The Parameters window for an object is typically used to edit variables. attributes Objects have physical attributes such as size, location, rotation, 3D shape, color, etc. that may be defined uniquely for each instance. The Properties window for an object is typically used to edit attributes. toolbox a collection of tools that are global in nature and therefore are not associated with any one object in the model.
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Chapter 4
Flexsim Modeling Steps

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Basic Steps of Modeling in Flexsim

1 - Create a layout using library objects 2 - Make port connections 3 - Edit look and behavior of objects 4 - Compile and run the simulation 5 - View the results

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Model 1
Purpose
Introduction to the 5 basic steps of model building using a single queue, single server system (post office)

Description
people arrive at a post office every 60 seconds on average. The statistical probability distribution which best simulates the inter-arrival pattern is an exponential distribution with a location value of 0 and a scale value of 60. the service time at the one and only service window in the post office is lognormal(31,3.1,0.5) seconds. if the queue for the service window exceeds 20 people, new arrivals are routed out of the model as unhappy customers.

Questions
Whats the maximum and average time people wait in line? How many unhappy customers? Whats the utilization of the service window? How many customers were serviced?

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Model 1 Layout

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Step 1. Create a layout

Drag objects from the Library (icon grid) and drop them into the Orthographic Model View window using your mouse. Reposition, resize, or rotate objects as desired using mouse.

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To scale or not to scale?

Flowitems are passed from one object to the next in zero time regardless of where objects are located. Convey time depends on the conveyors length and speed. Transport time between objects depends on the distance between the objects and speed, accel, decel. Grid size can be modified in the Settings menu. Length units are user-definable consistency is the key! The VisualTool object can be used to display a CAD drawing as the floor plan for the model. After scaling the imported image/shape, the modeling objects can be placed on the layout and sized to match.
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Mouse operations
View Window:
Translate: left click-drag Tilt and Rotate: right click-drag Zoom: left&right click-drag (or scroll wheel)

Object:
Translate in X and Y: left click-drag on object Translate in Z: right&left click-drag on object X,Y,Z rotation: right click-drag on object Resize X and Y: left click-drag on yellow dot Resize Z: right&left click-drag on yellow dot (or use scroll wheel when object is highlighted)
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Highlighting and Selecting Objects

Only one object can be highlighted (yellow box) in a given view window. Multiple objects can be selected (red box) across views using shift-clickdrag and/or ctrl-click-drag. Group editing can be performed on selected objects using the Edit Selected Objects menu on the Model View windows.

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Step 2. Make port connections

While pressing the A key, click-and-drag port connections between the objects. These output to input port connections are needed between the objects in your model that send and receive flowitems.

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The purposes of port connections

Output to input port connections are typically used for passing flowitems. Center port to center port connections are typically used for calling operators and transporters. Center port connections are a handy way to reference other objects when writing code (i.e. outobject(current,1) references the object connected to output port 1) Output to input port connections provide automatic handshaking that is used in passing flowitems
Flowitems are either pushed or pulled when port connections are open at both ends. Opening ports may trigger events on the connecting objects (useful in developing object behavior).
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Keys used for port connections

Outputs to Inputs Center to Center

Disconnect

Q A

W S
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Connect

Port connections
Objects can have an unlimited number of ports. A port connection is needed for each possible routing choice in the model. The actual port that a flowitem passes through depends on the selected rule for the object that is either doing the pushing or the pulling.

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Viewing port connections

Display of port connections can be turned off by using the Settings option in the Model View. The size of the ports can also be adjusted with the Settings option (although not recommended)
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Full Port Display

Input ports on left Output ports on right Center ports on bottom Ports are numbered top to bottom V click to display input and outputs C click to display center ports
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Step 3. Edit the objects

Parameters Window
Double click (or right click then choose Parameters) Used to edit object specific stuff

Properties Window
Right click then choose Properties Used to edit and view general info on all objects

Model Tree View

All objects in the model listed in a hierarchal tree. Contains the underlying data structure for an object ALL info is contained in the tree (all other guis are simply filters on the tree)
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Parameters Window
Each object class has its own Parameters Window Parameters affect the time that flowitems stay in an object and how they are routed from object to object. Apply will accept changes OK will accept changes and close the window Cancel will close the window without accepting changes Properties button opens the Properties Window

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Parameter tabs
Parameters are grouped into tab pages by category Every fixed resource object will have a Flow, and a Triggers tab (although some objects will have more triggers than others)

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Understanding the Pick List Combo Box

The pick list

The code template (friendly editing)

The code edit (may use Flexscript and C++)

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Code Template
Brown text may be replaced with any valid Flexscript. These templates can be customized through the Code Edit window (to be taught later).
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Properties Window
Every object has the same set of properties tabs Visual Tab
Look and size

General Tab
Port connections Display switches

Labels
User defined attributes

Statistics
Throughput, states, queuing, and stay times Graphs, charts, readouts
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Step 4. Compile and Run the simulation

Compile the model (create an executable runtime) Reset, Run Control run speed with the slide control (has no effect on the simulation results) Experimenter is used to define run length, number of iterations, and number of scenarios
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Step 5. View the results

Create a Standard Report or State Report using the Stats menu Other reporting features to be discussed later:
VisualTool
Dynamic text

Recorder
Time plots, histograms, pie charts, historical and statistical tabular data

Triggers writing to GlobalTables Object Properties > Statistics Tab

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Standard Report
Display a tabular report (csv file in Excel) for all objects in model (or just those objects selected red). Choose from a list of standard system variables to include in report. Or type in your own variables to add to the report

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Standard Report View

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Flexsim State Report

Percentage of total simulation time an object was in each of its states. CSV format (default viewer is Excel).
State profile is listed for each object currently selected in the model.

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Model 2
Purpose
learn how to duplicate objects see affects of adding a second service window introduction to the Send to port field

Description
add another service window to the post office

Questions
answer the questions asked in model 1 if the windows differ by the type of service they can provide and 40% of the people need to use window 1 and 60% need to use window 2, how does the queue time increase?
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Chapter 5
The Flexsim Object Library

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Flexsim Family Tree

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Flexsim Standard Objects

Flexsim has 25 objects in the entire library
Your ability to model will be determined by how well you understand these basic 25 objects and their 3 superclasses
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FixedResource superclass
FixedResource objects are the backbone of a simulation model. They define the flow of the model. Since flow is defined by the connecting of output to input ports, FixedResources are always connected together using the A key. FixedResources can:
push or pull flowitems process flowitems (forced delay) queue up flowitems (accumulate up to maxcontent) call for an operator to be utilized call for a transport to carry flowitems to next resource
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Dispatcher superclass
The Dispatcher receives tasksequences and either queues them up, OR dispatches the tasksequences immediately to downstream Dispatchers and/or TaskExecuters. A tasksequence is a list of tasks that must be executed in a defined order one after the other. Common tasks are actions such as travel, load, unload, utilize, sendmessage, delay and break. One tasksequence may preempt another tasksequence part way through the current ones list of tasks. The preemption can either temporarily interrupt the current tasksequence or permanently destroy the current tasksequence and all sequences in queue. Tasksequences are created and dispatched automatically when the Use Transport or Use Operator boxes are checked on a FixedResource type object. Tasksequences can also be created and dispatched using commands in triggers or elsewhere in your model. 51

TaskExecuter superclass
TaskExecuters are subclasses of the Dispatcher and therefore know how to receive, queue up, and dispatch tasksequences. In addition, TaskExecuters have the ability to execute the tasksequences that they receive. The Operator, Transporter, Elevator, Robot, Crane, and ASRSvehicle are all subclasses of the TaskExecuter and therefore have similar functionality.
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Model 3
Purpose
Simple model which uses several objects in the library

Description:
A part enters a Separator every 20 seconds where it is split into 3 separate parts. The first part moves via an s-shaped conveyor to a Combiner where a total of 8 parts are packed on a pallet (supplied by another Source). The loaded pallet is then conveyed to a Sink. The second part is conveyed to a Queue where it is then carried by an Operator to a MultiProcessor object where 3 separate processing steps are performed. The first step can complete on its own in 3 seconds. The second step requires an operator (same operator that delivered the part) and takes 4 seconds, and the third process can complete on its own in 5 seconds. A Transporter then picks it up and takes it to a Rack where it is stored. The third part travels via FlowNodes to a Queue where 10 are accumulated before being released, one at a time, to a Processor with a 20 second cycle time.They are then placed in a Queue where a Robot transfers one part at a time over to a Sink.
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Model 3 Layout

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Model 3 Follow-up Work

Once you have finished the model, do the following:
Create a Network path for the transport to follow when travelling between the MultiProcessor and the Rack. Use a 3D status pie chart to show the state profile for the operator.
Use 3D text to display the content of the Rack. View the model in the perspective view and experiment with different background colors. Learn how to apply new 3D shapes to the objects in your model. Move the objects associated with each of the three flows into a separate VisualTool to create an hierarchal model.
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Connecting Dispatchers and TaskExecuters

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NetworkNode
A NetworkNode is used to define the path a TaskExecutor will follow when executing its travel tasks. A path is made up of a group of NetworkNodes connected together by using the A key. At least one NetworkNode needs to be connected to each load and unload station (FixedResource) using the A key. A Task Executor is assigned to a path by connecting it to any NetworkNode in the path using the A key.

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Connecting NetworkNodes
Click-and-drag a connection while pressing the A key

When connected you will see a green path between the nodes denoting travel is allowed in both directions.
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Connecting Paths to the Model

Click-and-drag a connection while pressing the A key between the NetworkNode and the object where the load takes place. A blue line will show the connection. The line does not connect to any port.
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Connecting a TaskExecutor to a Path

Click-and-drag a connection between the TaskExecutor and a NetworkNode while pressing the A key. A red line will indicate that the connection has been made. The line does not connect to any port.

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Single Direction Paths

A path can be restricted to travel in a single direction by pressing the Q key and clicking-and-dragging in the direction you want to disallow travel. A red line (right side rule) will show the restricted direction.

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Non-Passing Paths
A non-passing path can be defined by using the A key and click-anddragging between two nodes that are already connected. Non-passing path segments turn a yellow color.
No traveling

Travel but no passing

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Path Spline Points

Every path has a spline point in the center of the path by default. Spline points allow paths to be curved. Add spline points by pressing X and clicking on an existing spline point. Delete spline points by selecting them and pressing Del
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Hide Splines, Paths and NetworkNodes

The display options for a path system can be toggled by holding the X key down and then clicking on any NetworkNode in the path system.

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Chapter 6
Basic Modeling Functions and Logic Statements

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Available Help
Hints Commands Sample Models (Help menu) Existing picklist options Any C++ book (if youre so inclined)

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General rules
language is case sensitive (A does not equal a) no specific format is required (free use of spaces, tabs and line returns is encouraged for readable code) numbers are double precision unless otherwise specified. text strings are entered between quotes. mytext parenthesis follow a function call and commas separate the arguments of the function. moveobject(object1,object2); a function or command will always end with a semi-colon parenthesis can also be used freely to make associations in your math and logic statements. curly braces (ie { }) are used to define a block of statements. to comment out the rest of a line use // dont use spaces or special characters in name definitions (_ is ok). names may include numbers, but may not begin with a number.
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Math Operators
x+y x-y x*y x/y sqrt(x) pow(x,y) round(x) frac(x) fmod(x,y) x plus y x minus y x times y x divided by y square root of x x to the power of y (xy) x rounded to the nearest integer returns the decimal portion of x returns the remainder of x/y

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Comparing
x>y x<y x >= y x <= y x greater than y x less than y x greater than or equal to y x less than or equal to y

x == y x != y comparetext(string1,string2)

x equal to y x not equal to y string1 matches string2

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Relating
&& || ! min(x,y) max(x,y) logical AND logical OR logical NOT returns minimum of x and y returns maximum of x and y

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Updating
x=y x += y x -= y x *= y x /= y x ++ x -set x to y set x to x plus y set x to x minus y set x to x times y set x to x divided by y add 1 to x subtract 1 from x

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Variable Types
int double string fsnode* integer double precision text string pointer to a Flexsim tree node

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Declaring and Setting Variables

int index = 1; double weight = 175.8; string category = groceries; fsnode* forklift = centerobject(current,1);

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What is a Node?
Basic data structure of Flexsim is a hierarchal tree
main (model and project related objects and data) view (gui related objects and picklists)

The node is the basic building block of a tree Nodes hold all the information behind the scenes for objects, guis and data.

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Node Structure
Nodes have a name Nodes can have a data item
number string object

If nodes have object data, use > to view a separate node list containing the object info (data members and member functions) If nodes contain sub nodes, use + to expand
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Node Symbols
Standard Folder Object Object data Function (C++) Function (FlexScript)

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Sample Model Tree

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Basic Object Referencing

the current object current the involved flowitem item rank(current,3) rank(node,ranknum) inobject(current,1) inobject(object,portnum) outobject(current,1) outobject(object,portnum) centerobject(object,portnum) centerobject(current,1) model() model()

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Basic Object Attributes

getname( object ) setname( object, name ) getitemtype( object ) setitemtype( object, num) setcolor( object, red, green, blue ) colorred( object ) blue,green,random...

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Object Spatial Attributes

xloc( object ) yloc( object ) setloc( object, xnum, ynum, znum ) xsize( object ) ysize( object ) setsize( object, xnum, ynum, znum ) xrot( object ) yrot( object ) setrot( object, xdeg, ydeg, zdeg ) zloc( object )

zsize( object )

zrot( object )

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Basic Object Statistics

content( object ) getinput( object ) getoutput( object ) int inventory = content(current); int produced = getoutput(current);

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 syntax

Object Labels

getlabelnum( object, labelname ) setlabelnum( object, labelname , value )

getlabelstr( object, labelname )

setlabelstr( object, labelname , string )

label( object, labelname )

examples
getlabelnum( item, serialnumber ) setlabelnum( item, serialnumber, 5 ) getlabelstr( current, category ) setlabelstr( current, category, groceries ) inc( label(item, stepnum), 1 ) only works with number data nodes
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Global Tables
gettablenum( tablename, rownum, colnum ) settablenum( tablename, rownum, colnum, value )

gettablestr( tablename, rownum, colnum ) settablestr( tablename, rownum, colnum, string )

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Logical if Statement
if (test expression) { code block } else { code block }
if (content(item) == 2) { colorred(item); } else { colorblack(item); }

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Logical while Statement

while (test expression) { code block } while (content(current) > 0) { destroyobject(last(current)); }

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Logical for Statement

for (start expression; test expression; count expression) { code block } for (int index = 1; index <= content(current); index++) { colorblue(rank(current,index)); }

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Logical switch Statement

switch ( switchvariable ) { case casenum: { code block break; } default: { code block break; } }
int type = getitemtype(item); switch (type) { case 1: { coloryellow(item); break; } case 5: { colorred(item); break; } default: { colorgreen(item); break; } }

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Code Exercise 1
Purpose
Gain experience in writing C++ code in the Code Edit windows. Introduction to PROSESTART and PARAMSTART statements and how they define the Template windows. Introduction to the bernoulli command.

Description
See layout slide for model description. Using the Send To Port field of the Conveyor, send 30% of the flowitems to port 1 and 70% to port 2.

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Code Exercises 1,2,3 Layout

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Code Exercise 2
Purpose
Learn how to both set and read the itemtype of a flowitem using C++

Description
See layout slide for model description. Set the itemtype of flowitems as they exit the Source. 60% of the flowitems are itemtype 7, the rest are itemtype 3. Using an if statement in the Send To Port field of the Conveyor, send flowitems with itemtype 7 to port 1, and those with itemtype 3 to port 2.

Questions
Can you change the color of the Flowitems based on their itemtype using code?
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Code Exercise 3
Purpose
Learn how to both set and read the labels on a flowitem using C++

Description
See layout slide for model description. Create a numeric label named routing on the Textured Colored Box in the FlowItem Bin (see toolbar). Set the routing label of flowitems as they exit the Source with a random number between 1 and 4 (use duniform() command). Use a switch() statement in the Send To Port field of the Conveyor to send flowitems according to the following
Label values 1 and 3 go to port 2 Label values 2 and 4 go to port 1

Questions
Can you change the color of the flowitems based on their itemtype using code?
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Code Exercise 4
Purpose
Learn how to write your own for loop.

Description
A Combiner packs 8 boxes on a pallet. Use an infinite supply of pallets from one Source and an infinite supply of boxes from another Source. The Combiner sends to a Conveyor which then sends to another Conveyor. Using the OnExit trigger of the first Conveyor, write a for loop which changes the color of all the boxes on the pallet.

Questions
Can you change the 3D shapes of the boxes on the pallet with the setobjectshapeindex() command?

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Exercise 4 Layout

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Chapter 7

Concepts and Models

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Modeling Concepts
FlowItem Bin Arrivals (interarrival time, schedule, sequence, initial stock) Labels and itemtypes GlobalTables Distributions (empirical, continuous)
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Modeling Concepts
Push versus pull MTBF/MTTR Time Tables Experimenter and Optimizer Manual tasksequence creation 3D shapes and animation Importing CAD layouts
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Modeling Concepts
Data import and export Data capturing and reporting Fly through presentations Debugging tips Global object pointers Flow control (close and open ports) Messaging (delayed messages)
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 Purpose
Description

Model 4

Learn how to use pull logic in defining routings based on a flowitems itemtype.

Electronic components need to be tested after manufacture. There are two types of components that arrive in a queue at random with the mix being 40% of one and 60% the other. The inter-arrival time of components is exponential(0,30,1) There are two testers for component 1 and three testers for component 2. Components will go to the first available tester. Service times are all between 120 and 150 seconds uniformly distributed.

Questions
Are all testers equally utilized? Can you model this with push or pull? Try assigning colors to the itemtypes.

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Model 4 Layout

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 Purpose

Model 5

Learn how to assign and use labels on flowitems for routing and processing purposes. Learn how to use an empirical distribution to assign itemtypes.

Description
Parts arrive in a queue every 30 seconds exponentially distributed. There are four part types distributed as follows: 20%, 30%, 40%, 10%. The four part types are each processed on one of four dedicated machines. The processing times at each machine is uniform(100,120) seconds for first time parts, and uniform(120,130) seconds for rework parts. After the parts are machined, they are put in a queue and wait to be tested. The test time is a constant 10 seconds. Parts that pass, leave the model, failed parts are routed back to the first queue to be reworked. 10% of the parts fail. Parts being reworked are given priority in the queue.

Questions
Where is the bottleneck? Can you change the color and shape of failed parts?
100 100

Model 5 Layout

101 101

Model 6
Purpose
Learn how to us an Operator to both carry and process flowitems

Description
Parts arrive at a queue every 20 seconds exponentially distributed and need to be carried by the operator to one of 3 machines. The operator needs to setup the part which takes 10 seconds. The part can then run for 20 seconds on its own. When the part finishes, it will leave the system. One operator will run all three machines.

Questions
See if you can get the operator to stay for setup once he has carried the product to the machine.
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Model 6 Layout

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Model 7
Purpose
Learn how to use the Break To Requirement field on TaskExecuters.

Description
A Source continuously sends Flowitems randomly to 3 Queues. Flowitems are assigned an itemtype 1,2,3 uniformly distributed. All three Queues can hold all three itemtypes. A Transporter carries Flowitems to three Queues that each hold 1 itemtype. These Queues then go to Processors and a Sink. The Transporter can carry up to 5 items at a time. The Transporter should only carry items that have the same itemtype at any time.

Questions
Experiment with the other available Break To Requirement pickoptions. How does the Transporter behave?
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Model 7 Layout

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Model 8
Purpose
More practice working with Operators, priorities and preempting

Description
A single work cell has 5 machines. Each part must be processed at each of the 5 machines There are 3 operators who work in the cell as a team. The operators need to carry each part to the next machine as well as set up the machine for that part. Setup times are 5 seconds and process times are 15. New parts arrive in the system every 25 seconds.

Questions
Whats the throughput rate per hour? Experiment with priorities and preempting to try and improve the throughput rate. Assign each operator to a different timetable so their breaks and lunches are staggered.
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Model 8 Layout

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 Purpose

Model 9

Small example of using a Global Table to define product routings. Learn how to use a label to keep track of what step its on.

Description
3 different products (uniform) enter a 5 station work cell. Product 1 needs to be processed at station 1,3, and 2. Product 2 needs to be processed at station 1, 2, and 4. Product 3 need to be processed at station 2,4,3, and 5. Use a global table to make sure the products are sent to the right station in the proper sequence. Use a single Queue whos output ports are connected to each of the 5 stations and to a Sink. Each of the five stations have their output port also connected to the input ports of the Queue.

Questions
Can you change all flowItems in the model to a common color depending on step?
108 108

Model 9 Layout

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Model 10
Purpose
Learn how to manipulate the Components List table on a Combiner object to do custom packing on the fly Learn how to import and use a Source arrival schedule

Description
A small distributor has 10 product types that he ships to the same 5 customers. Each customer has a different order profile. The distributer has a large supply of each of the 10 products so all he has to do is wait for an order to come through the door. Products are placed on a pallet and then conveyed out. Use the next two tables to build the model.

Questions
Can you think of other uses for the Combiner? If time permits, try importing the tables from Excel.
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Model 10 Layout

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Model 10 Order Table

Customer 1
prod 1 1

Customer 2
2

Customer 3
3

Customer 4
1

Customer 5
4

prod 2
prod 3 prod 4 prod 5

2
0 1 3

0
1 2 3

1
0 1 3

2
1 3 0

1
2 2 1

prod 6
prod 7 prod 8 prod 9 prod 10

2
0 2 1 1 0

4
0 3 2 1

0
2 3 4 3

2
2 3 1 0

0
3 0 2

112 112

Model 10 Daily Arrival Schedule

ArrivalTime Customer 1 Customer 2 Customer 3 Customer 4 0 3600 7200 10800 ItemName A B C D ItemType 1 2 3 4 Quantity 10 10 10 10

Customer 5

14400

10
113 113

Model 11
Purpose
Gain experience in building an abstract model Learn to write some C++ in a trigger field

Description
Items arrive at a warehouse each day to be stored. Orders arrive at a warehouse each day to be pulled. The average number of items and orders received each day is 10, but both are exponentially distributed. There are only 5 types of items (and therefore orders) received. The type of received items and orders is uniformly distributed 1 through 5 on a daily basis. Whenever an order arrives it must search for a matching item and remove it. Whenever an item arrives it must search for a matching order and remove it. 1 model time unit = 1 day.

Questions
How big must the warehouse be, so there is always room to store the items received each day? Plot the number of unsatisfied orders each day for an entire year. Whats the average number of days an order waits to be satisfied?

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Model 11 Layout

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TaskExecuter Control
requestoperators( taskexecuter, station, involvedobj, nrofops, priority, preempting ) freeoperators( taskexecuter, involvedobj )

createemptytasksequence( taskexecuter, priority, preempting) inserttask(tasksequence, tasktype, involved1, involved2, parameter1, parameter2, parameter3 ) dispatchtasksequence( tasksequence )
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Sample code for tasksequences

fsnode *forklift = centerobject(current,1); fsnode *origin = centerobject(current,2); fsnode *destination = centerobject(current,3); fsnode *item = first(origin); fsnode *ts = createemptytasksequence(trans,0,0); inserttask(ts, TASKTYPE_TRAVEL, origin, NULL); inserttask(ts, TASKTYPE_FRLOAD, item, pickup); inserttask(ts, TASKTYPE_TRAVEL, destination, NULL); inserttask(ts, TASKTYPE_FRUNLOAD, item, destination); dispatchtasksequence(ts);
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Task Types
TASKTYPE_LOAD: flowitem, pickup TASKTYPE_FRLOAD: flowitem, pickup, outputport TASKTYPE_UNLOAD: flowitem, dropoff TASKTYPE_FRUNLOAD: flowitem, dropoff, inputport TASKTYPE_UTILIZE: involved, station, state TASKTYPE_STOPREQUESTFINISH: stoppedobject, NULL TASKTYPE_TRAVEL: destination, NULL TASKTYPE_TRAVELTOLOC: NULL, NULL, xloc,yloc,zloc, endspeed TASKTYPE_TRAVELRELATIVE: NULL, NULL, xloc,yloc,zloc, endspeed TASKTYPE_BREAK: NULL, NULL TASKTYPE_DELAY: NULL, NULL, delaytime, state TASKTYPE_SENDMESSAGE: receiver, NULL, param1,param2,param3 TASKTYPE_MOVEOBJECT: flowitem, container, port TASKTYPE_DESTROYOBJECT: object, NULL
Brown parameters are required, Gray parameters are optional ** use profiletasksequence(ts) to print to console full description of ts 118 118

Model 12
Purpose
Learn how to manually build your own tasksequences

Description
The model consists of a Source, three Processors in series, and a Sink. An operator must pick up a part from the source, carry it to the first processor, be utilized for the process time, carry the part to the next processor, etc. until finally dropping it off at the sink. Use Global Object Pointers instead of center port connections.

Questions
How many operators does it take to make 1000 pieces a day?

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Model 12 Layout

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Basic Object Control

closeinput( object ), openinput( object ) stopinput( object ), resumeinput( object ) closeoutput( object ), openoutput( object ) stopoutput( object ), resumeoutput( object ) sendmessage( toobject, fromobject, parameter1, parameter2, parameter3 ) senddelayedmessage( toobject, delaytime, fromobject, parameter1, parameter2, parameter3 ) stopobject( object ), resumeobject( object ) moveobject( object, containerobject ) 121 121

Model 13
Purpose
Learn how to control product flow and send delayed messages.

Description
Assume an infinite supply of A and B components. The two components must be glued together with epoxy which takes lognormal(0,2.6,0.8) seconds. The assembled parts must wait in a staging area for at least 15 seconds for the epoxy to cure before they can enter the paint booth. It takes lognormal(0,2.5,0.5) seconds to paint each part separately. After each part is painted and exits the paint booth, the booth must be purged for 3 seconds before another part can enter.

Questions
What is the average and maximum time a part waits in queue?
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Model 13 Layout

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