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Tutorials Version
Tutorials Version
Tutorials
Introduction
Flexsim simulation software is a true object oriented simulation
software program for building models that can help you visualize flow
processes in order to optimize throughput and minimize operating
expenses. A flow process is defined as a set of operations or process
steps performed on an item (in Flexsim we will refer to an item as a
flowitem). If you can define your process in a graphical sketch or a
flowchart, you can build a simulation model with Flexsim.
Flexsim provides users with an elegant format to visualize, model,
and simulate flow processes using drag and drop objects in a 3D
environment. In addition, an in-depth statistical analysis of process
performance, bottlenecks, and throughput is available.
This basic tutorial will take you through the steps of setting up a
process flow, building a model, inputting data, viewing the animation,
and analyzing output. Each lesson will build upon the previous one. It
is therefore important to thoroughly understand each lesson before
moving on to the next one. You should plan on at least 45 minutes to
complete each lesson. Lessons 2 and lesson 3 will also include an
Extra Mile section at the end that will add additional value to your
model. The following lessons are contained in this tutorial:
Lesson 1: Building a simple model that will process 3 different
flowitem types. Each itemtype will have a specific routing. Objects
used in this model will be the Source, Queue, Processor, Conveyor,
and Sink. The basic statistics of model performance will be
introduced, and the parameter options for each object will be
explained.
Lesson 2: Using the model from lesson 1, you will add operators,
and transporters to the process. Object properties will be introduced,
and additional statistical analysis concepts will be discussed.
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Tutorials Lesson 1
Lesson 2 Extra Mile: After you have completed lesson 2 you will
now be shown how to add 3D charts and graphs to the model using
the Recorder object. 3D visual text will also be added using the
VisualTool object to give annotation to the model.
Lesson 3: Using the model from lesson 2, you will add rack storage
and network paths. Advanced statistics and model logic will be
added, as will global tables used for reading and writing data. Finally,
you will be shown how to use fly paths for model presentation.
Lesson 3 Extra Mile: At the end of the model building tutorials you
will be shown how to use Flexsims 3D presentation features. You will
learn how to combine the VisualTool presentation slide option with
the Presentation Builder to create exciting 3D fly through
presentations. This will allow you build all your model presentations
without switching between Power Point and Flexsim. Flexsim
provides a seamless presentation and modeling environment for the
first time ever.
Each lesson will have the following format:
1. Introduction
2. What you will learn
3. Approximate completion time
4. Model description
5. Model data
6. Flexsim software concept learning
7. Step-by-step model construction
Feel free to contact our technical support group if you have any
questions while working on this tutorial. Flexsim technical support
can be reached at 801-224-6914, or e-mail your question to
support@flexsim.com. We hope you enjoy learning how Flexsim can
help you optimize your flow process.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Flexsim software will not work properly
unless Microsofts Visual C++.NET compiler is installed on your
computer. The compiler that comes with the demo version does not
provide the same capability that the retail version of Microsoft Visual
1-2
C++ does. When you purchase Flexsim you have the option of
bundling Visual C++ with the Flexsim software if you do not already
own a copy.
Each time you start Flexsim, you must first click the Compile button
on the toolbar before you begin to build your model. Please wait for
the compilation to complete before clicking or typing. If you have
errors or the compilation fails to complete, please contact Flexsim
technical
support
for
assistance
at
801-224-6914,
or
support@flexsim.com.
1-3
Tutorials Lesson 1
Lesson 1
Introduction
Lesson 1 introduces the basic concepts of diagramming and building
a simple model. Building a diagram of the process is a great way to
start every model that you will build in Flexsim. If you can not build a
diagram, flowchart, or at least a picture in your mind of how the
process works you will have a difficult time building the model in
Flexsim.
New Objects
In this lesson you will be introduced to the Source, Queue,
Processor, Conveyor, and Sink objects.
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Model 1 Description
In our first model we will look at the process of testing three products
coming off a manufacturing line. There are three different flowitem
itemtypes that will arrive based on a normal distribution. Itemtypes
will be uniformly distributed between itemtype 1, 2, and 3. As
flowitems arrive they will be placed in a queue and wait to be tested.
Three testers will be available for testing. One tester will be used for
itemtype 1, another for itemtype 2, and the third for itemtype 3. Once
the flowitem is tested it will be placed on a conveyor. At the end of
the conveyor the flowitem will be sent to a sink where it will exit the
model. Figure 1-1 shows a diagram of the process.
Model 1 Data
Source arrival rate: normal(20,2)
Queue size: 25 FlowItems
Testing time: exponential(30)
Conveyor speed: 1 meter per second
Flowitem routing: Itemtype 1 to Tester 1, Itemtype 2 to
Tester 2, Itemtype 3 to Tester 3.
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Tutorials Lesson 1
Sink,
Recorder,
SplineConveyor,
Conveyor,
Transporter,
NetworkNode,
Crane,
ASRSvehicle,
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1-7
Tutorials Lesson 1
During the build process, the upper left of the application window will
display (compiling, please wait). If the build process is successful,
the title of the application will change from Flexsim to Flexsim
(compiled). If you do get an error message during the build process,
make sure the software contained on the Flexsim CD has been
installed correctly. Call Flexsim technical support if you need any
assistance.
Once the Flexsim application has been compiled you are now ready
to begin the model building process.
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STEP 2: Drag and drop a Source from the Object Library into the
Model View window as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2.
STEP 3: Drag and drop the remaining objects into the Model
View window as shown in Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3. Your model should look like this when you are finished. You should have a
Source, Queue, 3 Processors, 3 Conveyors, and a Sink
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Tutorials Lesson 1
1-10
1-11
Tutorials Lesson 1
Figure 1-8.
Once you have selected the normal distribution option it will now
show that option in the window. If you would like to make a change to
the parameters of the distribution you can select the template button
( ) and change any value that is in the tan color.
Select
You will see this window (Figure 1-9):
Figure 1-9
Using the template you change the values to adjust the distribution
or you can even insert an expression. For this model, change the 10
1-12
Figure 1-10
After selecting the option to change the flowitem itemtype and color
select the template button
(Figure 1-11):
Figure 1-11
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Tutorials Lesson 1
When moving
between tabs
always click the
apply button to
make sure any
changes are saved.
If you select
another tab without
clicking the apply
button first any
changes made to
that tab may be
lost.
Figure 1-12
Figure 1-13
1-15
Tutorials Lesson 1
Figure 1-14
In the Process Time pick list select the option for Exponential
Distribution. By default the time is set to 10 seconds so we will need to
change this by selecting the template button
Figure 1-15
Change the value to 30. Click the OK button to close the window. At this
time this is the only change we will make to the Processor. We will
explore some of the other options in later lessons. Click the OK button to
close the Processor GUI.
Repeat this process for the other 2 Processors.
The default speed for the conveyors is already set to 1 unit per time unit.
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At this point we are ready to compile and then run the model.
STEP 10: Compile
Select the
Once the compile process is complete we are ready to run the model.
STEP 11: Reset the model (Figure 1-16)
Figure 1-16
1-17
Tutorials Lesson 1
Figure 1-17
1-18
Figure 1-18
To view simple statistics for each object select the setting menu on the
model view window and unselect the option to Hide Names. The default
in the Ortho view is to show the names, and in the Presp view the
default is to hide the names.
You have now completed Lesson 1. Spend some time reviewing the
steps and viewing the model as it runs. Congratulations!
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Lesson 2
Introduction
Lesson 2 introduces the concept of adding operators and
transporters to a model, and explores object properties and
parameters in greater detail. Lesson 2 also introduces additional
graphical statistical output options. Make sure you have completed
lesson 1 before starting lesson 2 as lesson 2 will use the model from
lesson 1 as a starting point.
New Objects
In this lesson you will be introduced to the Dispatcher, Operator, and
Transporter objects.
Tutorials Lesson 2
Model 2 Description
In model 2 we will use a team of operators to perform the setup for
the testing procedure for the flowitems in the model. There will be 2
operators that will need to set up the test. Once set up the test can
run without the need for the operator to be present. The operators
must also carry the flowitem to the test station before the setup can
begin. When the test is complete the flowitem moves to the conveyor
without the assistance of the operator.
When the flowitem reaches the end of the conveyor it will now be
placed in a queue where it will be picked up by a fork truck and taken
to the sink. We may find it necessary to have more than one fork
truck once we view the model as it runs. If needed add an additional
fork truck if bottlenecks occur. After the model is completed view the
default charts and graphs and address any bottlenecks or efficiency
concerns. See Figure 2-1 for a flow diagram of model 2.
Model 2 Data
Tester set-up time: Constant time of 10 seconds
Product handling: Operator from queue to tester. Fork truck from
conveyor queue to sink.
Conveyor Queue: Capacity=10
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Object Properties
The properties GUI are the same for every Flexsim object. There are four
tabs in the properties page: General, Visual, Labels, and Statistics. Each
page contains information pertaining to the selected Flexsim object.
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Tutorials Lesson 2
The flags, and physical descriptions of the object can be edited in this
view.
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Visual properties: The Visual tab allows the modeler to specify the visual
aspects such as 3D shape, 2D shape, 3D textures, color, position, size,
rotation, and custom OnDraw code. Position, size, and rotation reflect the
current properties of the object (see Figure 2-4). The modeler can
change values in the fields to change position, size, or rotation, or the
modeler can change them by using the mouse in the model view window.
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Tutorials Lesson 2
Label properties: The Labels tab displays the user defined labels that
are assigned to the object. Labels are a mechanism through which
modelers can store temporary data. There are two parts to a label, a
name and a value. The name can be anything you want and the
value can be numeric or alphanumeric (a string). To add a label that
will hold only numeric data, click on the Add Number Label button
at the bottom of the window. Likewise, if a label will hold both
numbers and letters, click on the Add String Label button. You can
then modify both the names and values of the labels using the table.
Labels can be updated, created, or deleted dynamically while
running the model. This tab will show all the current labels and their
corresponding values. All information is displayed in real time as the
model runs. This information is very helpful to modelers as they test
logic and debug models.
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2-7
Tutorials Lesson 2
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Tutorials Lesson 2
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Tutorials Lesson 2
Once an object is selected you will see a red box around it (Figure 211).
Step 2: Stats On
To gather stats on the selected objects, click on Selected Objects
On located in the Stats menu option and then turn on the global
stats (Figure 2-12).
2-12
Once the Stats have been turned on, if you select the model view
window you will see a green box around the objects that have been
selected and their Stats turned on (see figure 2-13).
You may
You can now run the model and collect stat histories on all objects
that were selected.
Note: To unselect the objects (to turn off the red boxes) press the
shift key and click-and-drag a small box on the grid where there are
no objects. To unselect the stat selection group (green box selection
set), you must have no objects currently selected (red boxes) and
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Tutorials Lesson 2
then choose the menu option Selection to Stats from the main Run
menu.
Object Parameters
The objects parameters GUI will differ slightly depending on the
object selected. Since each object has a specific function in the
model the parameters will be customized to allow the modeler to use
the object in the most flexible way. Certain page tabs will be similar
on all objects and others will be very specific to the object. For a
specific definition of all the object parameters for each object, see
the Flexsim Object Library. Double clicking on an object accesses
that objects parameters. The layout of the parameters GUI is
illustrated in Figure 2-15.
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file for model 1 (.fsm file) saved from lesson 1. Once the model has
loaded, press the
2-15
Tutorials Lesson 2
2-16
The central port is located in the center bottom position of the object.
It is clearly not an input or output port.
In order for the dispatcher to send tasks to the operators the
dispatcher output port needs to be connected to the operators input
port. This is done by pressing and holding the A key on the
keyboard and click-and-drag from the dispatcher to the operator as
seen in Figure 2-19. This must be done for each operator. The
connections are shown in Figure 2-20.
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Tutorials Lesson 2
2-18
When Use Transport is checked a new pick list will appear called
Request Transport From. This pick list will select the central port
that the Transporter or Operator is connected. In this case it is
connected to the Dispatcher that assigns the operator to the task.
Select OK to close the GUI.
2-19
Tutorials Lesson 2
Figure 2-22. Central port links from dispatcher and each tester
2-20
Now we need to define the setup time for the testers. Double-click on
the first tester to bring up the parameter GUI (Figure 2-23).
Figure 2-23
Figure 2-24
2-21
Tutorials Lesson 2
In the Job block, check the box next to Use Operator(s) for Setup.
When the box is check you will see the Number of Operators input
box and the Pick Operator pick list appear. The number of
operators needed for the setup is 1 and the reference for the Pick
Operator should be set the central port number 1 as seen in Figure
2-25.
Figure 2-25
Click OK to save the changes and close the window. Repeat the
process for each tester in the model. When finished save the model,
Compile, and run the model to verify that the operators are being
used during the setup time.
The next step in the model is to add the conveyor queues and
reconnect the input and output ports.
2-22
Now that the layout has been revised and the port connection
created the fork truck can be added.
2-23
Tutorials Lesson 2
Figure 2-27
Once the fork truck is in the model, connect the central port of the
queue to the fork truck. Press and hold the S key on the keyboard
and click-and-drag from the queue to the fork truck.
2-24
The model layout should look like Figure 2-28 when finished.
Figure 2-28
Figure 2-29
2-25
Tutorials Lesson 2
Select the flow tab and check the Use Transport option. The central
port 1 of the queue is already connected so there is no need for any
adjustments. Select OK to close the GUI.
When finished adjusting the queue save your model. Before running
the model, click
to run the model.
2-26
You will notice that when a tester is waiting for an operator to perform
the setup a yellow square is placed around the object. You should
see the operators moving back and forth and the fork truck moving
flowitems from the queues to the sink.
2-27
Tutorials Lesson 2
It becomes obvious that if you add one more operator the model will
run better. Even though the flowitems may still back up at the input
queue it will be in its optimum configuration with the addition of the
operator.
Add another operator by simply drag-and-drop another operator from
the library and then connect the dispatcher to the operator by
pressing and holding the A key and click-and-drag a connection.
Compile, save the model, and then run.
Congratulations! Can you go the extra mile? Great! It just gets better!
2-28
New Objects
In this lesson you will be introduced to the VisualTool, and Recorder
objects.
2-29
Tutorials Lesson 2
Figure 2-32
2-30
Press the Data Capture Settings button. In the Type of Data field
select the Standard Data option. Then select the Queue in the
pick list of the Object Name field. The in the Data to capture field
select Content (see Figure 2-34).
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Tutorials Lesson 2
2-32
By default the graph will lay flat on the floor of the model. It makes a
good impression if the chart is tilted up 90 degrees to stand straight
up. This is done by changing the rotation and height of the recorder
(see Figure 2-37).
Change the Z position to 7.80 and the RX rotation to 90. This will
rotate the chart up and set the height to place the bottom of the chart
on the floor level (see Figure 2-38).
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Tutorials Lesson 2
After you Compile the model and run you should see the graph
display the content of the Queue.
STEP 7: Add a Recorder to show the Staytime Histogram of the Queue
Following the same steps to add a content graph add a Staytime
histogram to the model. The only difference will be that you will selct
the Staytime option (see Figure 2-39) instead of the Content
select before.
2-34
Place the recorder just to the right of the content graph. Select the
properties as shown in STEP 6, rotate the graph, and change the
height. When compiled and run the graph should look like Figure 240.
2-35
Tutorials Lesson 2
For these two pie graphs we will leave them flat on the floor so we do
not need to change the rotation values.
2-36
When compiled and run, the model should look like Figure 2-43.
2-37
Tutorials Lesson 2
2-38
Select the Text option for the Visual Display. Now you can define
the Text parameters. In the Text combo box select the picklist
option for Display Avg StayTime (see figure 2-46).
2-39
Tutorials Lesson 2
You will notice that at the end of the text display string that there is a
reference to the centerobject(current,1) statement (see Figure 247). This reference is used to tell the VisualTool when to look for the
data to show. The centerobject(current,1) simply means to display
the average staytime of the object connected to the center port of the
VisualTool. This means that you will have to make a center port
connection between the Conveyor Queue and the VisualTool
objects. This is done by pressing the S key on the keyboard and
clicki-and-drag between the VisualTool and the Conveyor Queue
(see Figure 2-48).
2-40
Compile the model and you will see the text in the model view (see
Figure 2-49).
At this point you may want to adjust the display of the text. The text
size is set to 1 by default and you may want to make it smaller. You
may also want to have the text hover over the queue.
To make the text smaller, type the desired size, say .5 in the text
parameters of the VisualTool (see Figure 2-50). Also adjust the
thickness to .1 to give the text a 3D appearance.
2-41
Tutorials Lesson 2
2-42
When you press OK on the properties, and parameters GUI the text
will now be rotated in the model. Use you mouse to select and
position the text as desired. Remember that the height of the text can
be controlled by selecting the text with both the left and right mouse
buttons and rolling the mouse forward and back, or selecting the text
and then rolling the mouse wheel to move the text up or down (see
Figure 2-53).
2-43
Tutorials Lesson 2
2-44
Lesson 3
Introduction
Lesson 3 introduces the Rack, network nodes, and spline points and
how they are used in a conveyor layout, advanced statistics, and
model logic using a global table. Introduction of multiple runs and
model scenarios will also be discussed. Lesson 3 will use the model
from lesson 2 as a starting point. Make sure you have completed
lesson 1, and lesson 2 before starting lesson 3.
In lesson 3 it will be assumed you have worked through lessons 1
and 2, and are familiar with the tasks of working in the properties and
parameters GUIs. In the previous lessons every step was illustrated
to make sure the modeler had complete understanding of the steps
needed to build the model. In lesson 3 some of the simple tasks such
as adding a new object to the model and entering basic parameters
will be identified in the step-by-step description but screen shots may
not be provided. It will be assumed that the modeler has learned how
to perform those tasks in previous lessons. Any new information will
be described in detail and will be accompanied by screenshots as in
previous lessons.
New Objects
In this lesson you will be introduced to the Rack, NetworkNode, and
Spline objects.
Tutorials Lesson 3
Model 3 Description
In model 3 the sink will be replaced with 3 racks that will be used to
store the completed flowitems prior to shipping (Figure 3-1). Change
the layout of conveyor 1, and 3 to physically drop flowitems off at the
conveyor queue. Using a global table for reference, have all itemtype
1 flowitems be sent to rack 2, all of itemtype 2s sent to rack 3, and all
itemtype 3s sent to rack 1. Using the networknode object set up a
path network for the fork truck to use at it moves flowitems from the
conveyor queue to the racks. After the model is complete, set up a
flypath to show the model during a presentation. Set up a multiple
run of the model to show statistical variance.
Model 3 Data
Modify conveyor 1 and 3 to move flowitems into the conveyor queue.
Routing from conveyor queue to racks: Use a global table to rout the
flowitems in the following mannerItemtype 1 to rack 2
Itemtype 2 to rack 3
Itemtype 3 to rack 1
Set up a node network for the fork truck to travel that is from the
conveyor queue to the racks.
Set up a flypath for model presentation.
3-2
are
used
in
Flexsim
to
define
and
design
If you zoom the view close to the SplinePoint Flexsim will display
SplinePoint information for the modeler (Figure 3-3).
3-3
Tutorials Lesson 3
SplinePoint parameters
Deltax: The difference in the X direction from the last SplinePoint.
Deltay: The difference in the Y direction from the last SplinePoint.
Deltaz: The difference in the Z direction from the last SplinePoint.
XYangle: The XYangle from the last SplinePoint. Angles are from
plus (+) and minus (-) 0-90 degrees.
Length: This is the overall length of the path from the beginning or
first SplinePoint.
To move the SplinePoint, select the ball with the mouse. A yellow box
will appear around the SplinePoint ball (Figure 3-4).
3-4
the
clicked
SplinePoint
and
the
SplinePoint
that
3-5
Tutorials Lesson 3
Once SplinePoints have been added to the path they can be moved
independently to configure the shape (Figure 3-8).
3-6
Figure 3-10. SplinePoints turned off with Ctrl click on the NetworkNode
3-7
Tutorials Lesson 3
button from the toolbar. The model tree view will then be
The model tree view is a view window that provides many unique
features for the modeler. In this view the modeler can:
1. Customize Flexsim objects using C++ or Flexscript
2. View all object data
3. Access the properties and parameters GUI
4. Edit the model, delete objects, modify all data
If you follow a few simple navigation rules you will find the tree view
one of the most usable views within Flexsim. Since all tree views in
Flexsim work the same way, once you understand how the tree view
works you will be able to navigate and understand the structure of
any tree view that is accessible by the user.
3-8
3-9
Tutorials Lesson 3
When you select an object in the tree view by clicking on the icon
with the mouse, the tree view will display the object as follows:
you select this expand tree symbol the data nodes for that object will
be displayed as shown in Figure 3-13.
3-10
As objects and data nodes are expanded the tree view can quickly
grow to be outside the viewing limits of the tree view window.
Flexsim allows you to move the tree around in the window by using
the mouse. To move the tree around in the window just click-anddrag on the left side of the tree, or use the mouse wheel to scroll up
and down.
Data nodes can be expanded by clicking on the + to the left of the
node icon. Since data nodes can have values or text you will see the
text information or the data values to the right of the node (Figure 314).
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Tutorials Lesson 3
If you select on an
object or data node
you will not be able
to move the tree.
Select a spot in the
view that is empty
then drag the
mouse to move the
tree. You can also
use the mouse
wheel to move the
tree up and down.
Data can be edited directly in the tree by selecting the node you wish
to edit. If it is a value data node you will be able to edit the value in
the field (Figure 3-15). If it is a text data node you will be given a text
edit field on the right side of the window to edit the text (Figure 3-16).
3-12
As you can see the tree is the repository of all data for the model.
The properties and parameters GUIs are used to provide a more
user-friendly way to manipulate the data in the tree. It is possible to
completely edit your model from the tree but it is recommended that
you use the GUIs to avoid inadvertent deletion of model data. The
properties and parameters GUIs can be accessed in the tree view by
right clicking or double clicking on the object icon
3-13
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-14
STEP 3: Delete the port connection from the conveyor queue to the
sink. Then delete the sink
To prepare the model to add the racks, the port connection between the
Queue and the sink needs to be deleted. This is done by pressing and
holding the Q key and click-and-drag a line from the queue to the sink.
Once the port connection is deleted, select the sink with the mouse and
then press the Del key.
STEP 4: Add three racks to the model
Select the rack (in the storage group) object in the library
and drag-and-drop three racks into the model. Once the racks are in the
model create port connections from the queue to each rack by pressing
the and holding the A key and then click-and-drag a line form the queue
to each rack (see Figure 3-18).
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Tutorials Lesson 3
Place the racks far enough away from the queue to allow the fork truck to
travel a ways to reach the rack.
STEP 5: Set up the global table for flowitem routing from the queue
to the racks
The next step is to set up a global table that will be used to reference
which rack each flowitem will be sent to. Since we need to send all
itemtype 1s to rack 2, all itemtype 2s to rack 3, and all itemtype 3s to
rack 1. Here are the steps to setting up a global table:
1. Select the
4. In the Edit Global Tables window change the name of the table
to rout.
5. Set the table to have 3 rows and 1 column.
6. Name the rows item1-item3 and fill in the values to correspond to
the
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rack
number
we
want
to
send
the
flowitems.
NOTE: make sure that after you enter data in a cell that you
select another cell to register the data.
7. Select the OK button at the bottom of the window. Select the
OK button at the bottom of the User Defined Tables and
Events window.
Now that the global table is defined we can adjust the Send To Port
option on the queue.
STEP 6: Adjusting the Send To Port option on the conveyor queue
Double click on the conveyor queue to bring up the parameters GUI.
Select the flow tab. In the Send To Port pick list select the option to use
a lookup table. One you have selected the lookup table option select the
code template button
Figure 3-19. Edit the code template to use the table called rout
Select the OK button to close the window, and then select the OK
button to close the parameters GUI.
3-17
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-18
Figure 3-21. Connections between NetworkNodes (port connects have been hidden to
enable better viewing of the NetworkNode connections)
3-19
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-20
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Tutorials Lesson 3
Offsets are used by the fork truck to locate where the flowitem needs
to be picked up, or dropped off in the object. This allows the fork
truck to travel into the queue and pick up the box, and travel to the
specific cell in the rack to drop off the box. To force the fork truck to
stay at the NetworkNode and not to travel off the node system, just
uncheck the box to travel offsets.
3-22
Path SplinePoints
You will notice that when two NetworkNodes are connected a green
line shows the connection. In the middle of the line you will see a
SplinePoint. The ball that represents the SplinePoint is the same as
you have seen on the conveyor. You can add SplinePoints, and
move them around to make curves, turns, and ramps in the path
(see Figure 3-25).
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Tutorials Lesson 3
3-24
Once you have selected the objects that you want in the report select
the Standard Output Report option in the Stats menu.
When the report button is pressed you will be presented with the
Report Editor and Generator GUI (see Figure 3-27).
To access the basic and state report options press the GENERATE
BASIC REPORT or the GENERATE STATE REPORT button (see
Figures 3-28, 3-29). If you have any variables you would like to add
to any of the reports you can add then using the table interface
provided. The report will be exported to Excel and displayed
automatically..
3-25
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-26
Figure 3-30
3-27
Tutorials Lesson 3
Figure 3-32
3-28
Figure 3-33
4. Select the Add button, then select the edit button for path
1. The edit flypath dialog will appear (see Figure 3-34).
3-29
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-30
Figure 3-36. Designating the model view as the selected view sv()
3-31
Tutorials Lesson 3
NOTE: The time value is in milliseconds. The value 1000 will return a
1 second fly-to time for the view.
8. Repeat the process by adjusting the model view to a
different location and then adding the point to the list as
described in the previous step.
9. Once you have finished adding view points to the list name
the flypath and then select the OK button.
3-32
10. To run the flypath select the run option from the fly path GUI
(see Figure 3-38). The flypath will run even though the model
is not running. The flypath is based off the computer clock
time not the simulation clock. This allows the user to run the
model fast while maintaining a nice smooth fly through
experience.
NOTE: If the flypath does not run, make sure that the current model
view is designated as the selected view sv(). See step 5 above.
This completes lesson 3. Congratulations!
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Tutorials Lesson 3
3-34
3-35
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-36
3-37
Tutorials Lesson 3
At this point we have all the elements to build the slide. There is a
background (the Flexsim logo is defined as the texture on the
presentation slide), and text to define what we want to say on the
slide. The next step is to define the text to say what we want.
3-38
code template
button.
3-39
Tutorials Lesson 3
The text will not change on the screen until the model is compiled.
Select OK on the presentation slide and compile the model. The
Text can also be
arranged by
selecting the
Container tab at
the bottom of the
presentation slide
GUI. This will
provide a layout grid
to position the text.
3-40
Now lets edit the bullet points on the slide. On each text we will
change the Text Size to .75 and the Text Thickness .1as shown
below since they should be smaller than the header text.
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Tutorials Lesson 3
You may need to adjust the size of the slide background to fit the
text. This is done by selecting the slide and then stretching the slide
by selecting the yellow ball on the lower right corner (Figure 3-44).
3-42
Transparency
The background can be made to have transparency by selecting a
.bmp or .jpg file that have a .tmp or tpg counterpart. When ever a
texture is used in Flexsim, say a file called mypicture.jpg, the
software will look for a file with the same name with a .tpg extension,
or in this case a mypicture.tpg file in the same directory. If that file
exists it will use the .tpg to determine the transparency of the texture.
Wherever the .tpg file is black there will be complete transparency,
and where it is completely white there will be no transparency. For
shades in between you will have degrees of transparency. See the
following examples:
Flexsim.bmp
BalanceRock.jpg
Flexsim.tmp
+ BalanceRock.tpg
transparency
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Tutorials Lesson 3
To obtain this result just call the .bmp, or .jpg file as the texture and if
the .tmp, or tpg file is in the same directory (you dont have to specify
the .t** file as a texture) you will get transparency automatically.
For the presentation slide for this model we will use the Flexsim.bmp
file in the Samples/Presentation Sample Media directory. There is a
Flexsim.tmp file in this directory that will provide the transparency for
the slide background.
Select this file by double-clicking on the presentation slide and in the
Texture box select the browse button
Figure 3-46. Select the Flexsim.bmp file in the Presentation Samples Media
directory (in the Samples directory)
Once selected click the Open button, then select the OK button
on the presentation slide.
3-44
3-45
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-46
The slide is now completely ready for the presentation (Figure 3-49).
Since all of the other visual components have already been placed in
the model in developing the Model 2 Extra Mile file we are now ready
to define the flow of the presentation with fly paths.
3-47
Tutorials Lesson 3
There are also special features for presentation navigation that the
Ortho and Perspective view do not have. Presentations can only be
run from the Presentation Builder model view or the Full Screen
model view.
3-48
Presentation Basics
A Flexsim presentation is a sequence of fly paths. A sequence (fly
path) may have several view points or fly-to points. Once a
sequence is started it will run through each view point until it comes
to the last one. You can define the time it takes to fly-to each of the
view points in a sequence. Then it will stop. The next sequence will
begin when the Space Bar is pressed. You can also go-back to the
previous sequence by pressing the B key. The first nine (9)
sequences defined are also assigned to the number keys 1-9. That
means you can jump the sequence number 5 by pressing the 5 key.
How to Define a Sequence (Fly Path)
You define a sequence by following these steps:
1. Adjust the view to the point you want the sequence to start.
3-49
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-50
3. Adjust the model view to the next position you want to fly-to
in this sequence and select the New View Point button.
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Tutorials Lesson 3
4. When you are finished adding view point select the Edit
button to view the fly path editor. You can now adjust the time it
takes to fly to each point. The time is in the first column of the
table and is in milliseconds. 1000 is equal to 1 second.
3-52
6. Adjust the model view to the queue wait time histogram and
then press the New View Point button.
3-53
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-54
7. Press the Edit button to edit the time to the second view
point to 4000.
3-55
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-56
9. Adjust the view to zoom into the pie charts and then press
the New View Point button.
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Tutorials Lesson 3
10. Press the Edit button to edit the time for view point 2 as in
the other sequences to 4000.
3-58
11. Adjust the model view to show the text by the queue where
the fork truck picks up. Set this view at an angle and then
press the New Sequence button. This will add our 4 th and
final sequence for this presentation.
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Tutorials Lesson 3
12. Adjust the model view to look straight at the text and then
press the New View Point button.
3-60
13. Press the Edit button to edit the time for the second point to
4000 as before on the previous sequences.
3-61
Tutorials Lesson 3
3-62
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