Lab # 9: Search,Pickup and Dropoff module SSUET/QR/114

LAB#9

Objective:To analyze the Search, Pickup and Dropoff module.

Search module:

Description:

The Search module searches a queue, a group (batch) or an expression to find the entity rank (for
entities in a queue or group) or the value of the global variable J that satisfies the specified search
condition. When searching a queue or group, the value of the global system variable J is set to
the rank of the first entity that satisfies Search Condition, or to 0 if Search Condition is not
satisfied. When searching an expression, the global system variable J is set to the value of the
first index value that satisfies the search condition or to zero if no value of J in the specified
range satisfies search condition.

When an entity arrives at a Search module, the index J is set to the starting index and the search
condition is then checked. If the search condition is satisfied, the search ends and the current
value of J is retained. Otherwise, the value of J is increased or decreased and the condition is
rechecked. This process repeats until search condition is satisfied or the ending value is reached.
If the condition is not met or there are no entities in the queue or group, J is set equal to 0.

TYPICAL USES:
• Looking for a particular order number in a queue
• Searching a group for a certain part type
• Determining which process to enter based on availability of resources
(search an expression)

PROMPT:

Prompt Description:
Name—Unique module identifier. This name is displayed on the module shape.

Type—Determination of what will be searched. Search options include entities in a queue,

entities within a group (batch) or some expression(s).

Queue Name—Name of the queue that will be searched. Applies only when the Type is Search
a Queue

Starting Value—Starting rank in the queue or group or starting value for J in an expression.

Ending Value—Ending rank in the queue or group or ending value for J in an expression

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Search Condition—Condition containing the index J for searching expressions or containing.

Example 1—Search a Queue

Prompt Entry
Name Find Lightest Package
Type Search a Queue
Queue Name Package.Queue
Starting Value 1
Ending Value NQ
Search Condition MIN(Weight)

In this example, the Find Lightest Package module will search a queue. A search is made of all entities
in queue Package.Queue to find the entity that contains the minimum value of attribute Weight

Pickup module:

Description:

The Pickup module removes a number of consecutive entities from a given queue starting at a
specified rank in the queue. The entities that are picked up are added to the end of the incoming
entity’s group. Entities that are picked up are added to the temporary group of the incoming
entity. Once an entity is added to the temporary group, it will have its time and cost data updated
automatically as it moves through an processing steps in the simulation.

TYPICAL USES:

• Gathering an order from various queue locations

• Gathering completed forms for an office order
• Picking up students at a bus stop for school

PROMPT:

Prompt Description:

Name—Unique module identifier. This name is displayed on the module shape.

Quantity—Number of entities to pick up.

Queue Name—Name of the queue from which the entities will be picked up, starting at the
specified rank.

Starting Rank—Starting rank of the entities to pick up from the queue, Queue Name

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 Lab # 9: Search,Pickup and Dropoff module SSUET/QR/114

Example 1—Basic Use

Prompt Entry
Name Pickup Forms
Quantity 1
Queue Name Forms.Queue
Starting Rank 1

The entity entering this Pickup Forms module will pick up the first entity in queue
Forms.Queue and add the entity to the end of the group.

Example 2—Selective Pickup

Prompt Entry
Name Get Red Ones
Quantity 1
Queue Name All Colors.Queue
Starting Rank J

This module takes one entity from the All Colors.Queue and adds it to the group. The rank of the
entity that is selected is based on the value of the global system variable, J. Typically, the value
of J is set by using a Search module. The Search module will first search the queue for a given
set of conditions, such as for a specific value of an attribute of an entity in the queue.

Drop off module:

Description:

The Dropoff module removes a specified number of entities from the entity’s group and sends
them to another module, as specified by a graphical connection. Group user-defined attribute
value and internal attributes may be given to the dropped-off entities based on a specified rule.
There are two exit points from this module. Original incoming entities will exit from the exit
point at the middle right of the module. The entities that are dropped off (members) from this
module will exit from the bottom right of the module

TYPICAL USES:
• Loading shelves with product
• Separating a form for use in various departments

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 Lab # 9: Search,Pickup and Dropoff module SSUET/QR/114

PROMPTS:
Prompt Description:

Name:Unique module identifier displayed on the module shape.

Quantity:Number of entities that will be dropped off from an

incoming representative grouped entity.

Starting Rank:Starting rank of the entities to be dropped off, based on the

entities in the group.

Member Attributes:Method of determining how to assign the representative entity

attribute values (other than costs/times) to the dropped-off original entities.

Attribute Name:Name of representative entity attribute(s) assigned to

dropped-off original entities of the group.

NG Variable:

The variable NG evaluates the group size for the current entity. This value can be used to drop
off all entities in a group and have the representative entity continue elsewhere. Other variables
are available to find the entity number and attribute values of grouped entities.
Example 1—One Entity/Retain Original Entity Values

Prompt Entry
Name To Accounting
Quantity 1
Starting Rank 1
Member Retain Original Entity
Attributes Values

In this example, the representative entity will drop off the first entity in the group to a specified
location. The entity will retain its original entity values, such as Entity.Type, Entity.CreateTime
and user-defined attributes. Cost attributes were updated as the entity went through any processes
while being a group member (see remarks below). Time attributes will reflect any new times that
the entity has incurred as a part of the group.

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 Lab # 9: Search,Pickup and Dropoff module SSUET/QR/114

Example 2—Multiple Entities/Take Specific Representative Values

Prompt Entry
Name Stock Shelves
Quantity NG-1
Starting Rank 2
Member Take Specific
Attributes Representative Values
Attribute Name Color

In this example, the representative entity will drop off all but one of the entities in the group (NG
is the number in the group), starting at rank 2 the second entity that entered the group. The
member entities that are dropped off will take on the "color" attribute of the representative entity,
but they will retain all of their other original entity values. As with example 1, cost attributes
were updated as the entity went through any processes while being a group and time attributes
will reflect any new times that the entities incurred as parts of the group.

LAB TASK:
TASK: Public bus Transportation System:

Design a model of public bus transportation simulates a bus that moves between different points
,picking up and dropping off passengers.

DESIGN:
SIMULATION:
REPORT: