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Flexsim User Guide

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.

Copyright © 2003, Flexsim Software Products, Inc. 1-1

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 Flexsim’s 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

[email protected]. We hope you enjoy learning how Flexsim can

help you optimize your flow process.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Flexsim software will not work properly

unless Microsoft’s 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

C++ does. When you purchase Flexsim you have the option of 1-2

mailto:[email protected]

Flexsim User Guide

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

[email protected].



Tutorials Lesson 1

Lesson 1

IntroductionLesson 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.

What You Will Learn1. How to build a simple layout

2. How to connect ports for routing flowitems

3. How to detail and enter data into Flexsim objects

4. How to compile the model

5. How to navigate in the animation views

6. How to view simple statistics on each Flexsim object

New ObjectsIn this lesson you will be introduced to the Source, Queue,

Processor, Conveyor, and Sink objects.

Approximate Time to Complete this LessonThis lesson should take about 30-45 minutes to complete

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Flexsim User Guide

Model 1 DescriptionIn 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.

Figure 1-1. Model 1 Diagram

Model 1 DataSource 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.


Tutorials Lesson 1

Flexsim Software Concept Learning

Flexsim TerminologyBefore you start your first model it will be helpful to understand some

of the basic terminology of the software.

Flexsim objects: Flexsim objects are found in the Object Library grid

panel. The grid is arranged by group. By default the basic objects are

shown. It may be helpful to select “All Objects” to see the entire

library. Flexsim objects include the Source, Queue, Processor,

MultiProcessor, Sink, Recorder, SplineConveyor, Conveyor,

Combiner, Separator, Rack, FlowRack, Reservoir, Dispatcher,

Operator, Transporter, NetworkNode, Crane, ASRSvehicle,

VisualTool, and CollisionObject. Flexsim objects are drag and drop

objects.

Flowitems: Flowitems are the objects that move through your model.

Flowitems can be parts, pallets, assemblies, paper, containers, or

anything that moves through the model. Most flowitems have

processes performed on them or are carried through the model by

material handling resources. Flowitems are defined globally in

Flexsim and are generated in the source object.

Itemtype: The itemtype is a label that is placed on the flowitem that

could represent a barcode number, product type, or part number.

Flexsim is set up to use the itemtype as a reference in routing

flowitems, and in triggers. A flowitem defines the basic class of

product, or part, whereas the itemtype defines the individual part

type, or part number within the flowitem class.

Ports: Every Flexsim object has an unlimited number of ports

through which they communicate with other objects. There are three

types of ports: input, output, and central. Input and output ports are

used in the routing of flowitems or to create network paths for mobile

resources to follow using NetworkNodes. Central ports are used to

create references, or pointers, from one object to another. A

common use for central ports is for referencing mobile objects such

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Flexsim User Guide

as operators, transporters, cranes, and ASRSvehicles from fixed

resources such as machines, queues, or conveyors.

Ports are created and connected by clicking on one object and

dragging to a second object while holding down different letters on

the keyboard. If the letter “A” is held down while clicking-and-

dragging, an output port will be created on the first object and an

input port will be created on the second object. These two new ports

will then be automatically connected. Holding down the “S” key will

create a central port on both objects and connect the two new ports.

Connections are broken and ports deleted by holding down the “Q”

for input and output ports and the “W” key for central ports. Port

connections will be illustrated in the tutorial.

Model views: Flexsim is a virtual reality modeling environment that

uses openGL technology. The default view for building models is

from the top-down in an orthographic view. Flexsim supports

orthographic (Ortho) and perspective (Persp) views. It is generally

easier to develop a layout from the top-down in the Ortho view. But

you may use any view option to build or run the model. You may

open as many view windows as you want in Flexsim. Just remember

that as more view windows are open the greater the demand on

computer resources. The Persp view offers the best views for model

presentation.


Tutorials Lesson 1

Step-By-Step Model Construction

Building Your First ModelTo verify that the Flexsim software has been installed correctly, open

the application by double clicking on the Flexsim icon on your

desktop. Once the software loads you should see the Flexsim menu

and toolbars, Object library, and Orthographic Model View windows.

At this point select the “Compile” option on the toolbar.

STEP 1: Compile

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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Flexsim User Guide

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

STEP 4: Connect the ports

The next step is to connect the ports for the routing of the FlowItems.

This is accomplished by pressing and holding the “A” key on the

keyboard, then click and hold the left mouse button on the Source,

then drag the mouse to the queue and then release the mouse

button. You should see a yellow line (Figure 1-4) as you drag and a

black connection line (Figure 1-5) when you release.


Tutorials Lesson 1

Figure 1-4.Yellow line appears during the drag.

Figure 1-5. Black connection line when you release.

Finish the connections by connecting the Queue to each of the

Processors, each Processor to the corresponding Conveyor, and

each conveyor to the sink. You layout should look like Figure 1-6

when you’re finished.

Figure 1-6. Completed port connections.

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Flexsim User Guide

The next step will be to change the parameters of the different

objects so they will behave the way you want. We will start with the

Source and work our way to the Sink.

Detailing the ModelEach object has its own graphical user interface (GUI) though which

data and logic are added to the model. Double-clicking on an object

accesses that object’s GUI.

For this model, we want three different product types to enter the

system. To do this, each flowitem’s itemtype (see above for a

description of itemtype) will be assigned an integer value between

one and three using a uniform distribution. This will be accomplished

using the source’s exittrigger.

STEP 5: Assigning the arrival rate

Double click on the Source to bring up its GUI (see Figure 1-7).

Figure 1-7. Source GUI

All Flexsim objects have a number of pages or tabs that present

variables and information that the modeler can change based on the

requirements of the model. In this model we need to change the


Tutorials Lesson 1

Inter-Arrival time and the itemtype to generate 3 types of items. To

set the Inter-Arrival time to normal(10,2) as stated in the model

description select the down arrow on the Inter-Arrival time pick list

and select the correct option (see Figure 1-8).

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

to a 20. Select the OK button to return to the parameters page.

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Flexsim User Guide

The next thing we need to do is assign an itemtype number to the

flowitems as they enter the system that is uniformly distributed

between 1 and 3. The most elegant way to do this would be to

change the itemtype on the OnExit trigger of the source.

STEP 6: Assign the FlowItem Itemtype and Color

Select the Source Triggers tab (Figure 1-10). Select the picklist for

the OnCreation trigger. Select the option to change the flowitem

itemtype and color.

Figure 1-10

After selecting the option to change the flowitem itemtype and color

select the template button and see the following information

(Figure 1-11):

Figure 1-11


Tutorials Lesson 1

The duniform distribution is similar to a uniform distribution except

that instead of returning any real number between the given

parameters, only whole numbers will be returned.

Click the OK button for this window and for the Source’s main GUI.

The next step will be to detail the Queue. Since the Queue is a place

to hold flowitems until they can be processed at the processor, there

are 2 things we need to do. First we need to set the capacity of the

Queue to hold 25 flowitems. Second, set the flow options to send

itemtype 1 to processor 1, itemtype 2 to processor 2 and so on.

STEP 7: Setting the Queue capacity

Double click on the Queue. The Queue parameters GUI should

appear (Figure 1-12).

Figure 1-12

Change the Maximum Content field to 25. Select the

button.

Select the Flow tab to set the flow options for the Queue.

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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.

Flexsim User Guide

STEP 8: Assign the Flow options for the Queue

In the “Output” block, on the “Send To Port” pick list select the option

send to “Port By Itemtype Direct” (Figure 1-13).

Figure 1-13

Since we have assigned an itemtype number equal to 1, 2, or 3, we can

now use the itemtype to specify the port number through which flowitems

will pass. Processor 1 should be connected to port 1, processor 2 should

be connected to port 2 and so on.

Once you have selected the “Port By Itemtype Direct” option select the

OK button to close the parameters GUI for the Queue.

The next step is to set the processor times.


Tutorials Lesson 1

STEP 9: Assigning operation times to the Processors

Double click on processor number 1. The Processor’s GUI should appear

(Figure 1-14).

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 (see figure 1-15).

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.

At this time there is no need to modify the conveyors.

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Flexsim User Guide

At this point we are ready to compile and then run the model.

STEP 10: Compile

Select the from the toolbar.

Once the compile process is complete we are ready to run the model.

STEP 11: Reset the model (Figure 1-16)

Figure 1-16

On the lower left of the main window and click on the

button.

STEP 12: Run the model

On the simulation run control window and click on the

button.

The model should now start to run. You should see flowitems entering

the Queue and then moving to the Processors. From the processors,

flowitems should move to the conveyors and then to the Sink.


Tutorials Lesson 1

STEP 13: Model Navigation

The model is currently in a top down orthographic view. It usually is

better to view the running model in a perspective view. You can do this

by closing the orthographic window by selecting the X in the upper right

corner of the window. Open the perspective view by selecting the

button on the toolbar (Figure 1-17).

Mouse NavigationLeft mouse button: Moves the model in the X-Y plane. If you click on an

object it will move the object in the X-Y plane.

Right mouse button: Moves the X,Y,Z rotations. If you click on an

object you can rotate the object.

Left and Right mouse button(or mouse wheel): Zooms the animation

in and out by rolling the mouse forward or backward. If you click on an

object you can change its Z height. If you have a wheel on you mouse

you can roll the wheel instead of the left and right click.

F7 Key: The F7 key will toggle the view to fly-through mode. When in fly-

through mode you can move the mouse up from center to move forward,

down from center to move backward, left of center to rotate left, and right

of center to rotate right. To exit fly-through mode, press F7. This one may

take a little practice to master.

Figure 1-17

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Flexsim User Guide

STEP 14: Viewing simple statistics

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!


Lesson 2

IntroductionLesson 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.

What You Will Learn1. How to access object properties and parameters

2. How to add a team of operators to the model

3. How to add a fork truck transporter to the model

4. How select an object for statistics

5. How to turn on stats history

6. How to view object statistics while the model is running

New ObjectsIn this lesson you will be introduced to the Dispatcher, Operator, and

Transporter objects.

Approximate Time to Complete this LessonThis lesson should take about 30-45 minutes to complete.


Tutorials Lesson 2

Model 2 DescriptionIn 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.

Figure 2-1. Diagram of model 2

Model 2 DataTester 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

2-2


Object Properties and ParametersAt this point in the tutorial it is time to introduce the object properties and

parameters input GUI’s in a more organized manner. Every Flexsim

object has both a properties page and a parameters page. As a modeler

you need to completely understand the difference between object

properties and object parameters. To access properties you can right

click on an object in the model view window (see Figure 2-2).

Figure 2-2. Menu when right-clicking on an object in the model view.

Object PropertiesThe 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.


Tutorials Lesson 2

General properties: the General tab contains general information about

the object such as the name, type, location, creation time, port

connections and display flags (see Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-3. General properties

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.

Figure 2-4. Visual properties


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.

Figure 2-5. Label properties

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Statistic properties: The Statistics tab displays the default information

that is collected on an object. This information is displayed

dynamically as the model runs. When this tab is selected four sub-

tabs are displayed (see Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6. Statistic properties

Statistics General properties: Displays the content, staytime, current

state, and throughput of the object. The settings block allows the

user to determine how much data will de displayed in the content,

staytime, and state charts.


Tutorials Lesson 2

Statistics State properties: The state properties chart shows the

percentage of time the object was in a given state (see Figure 2-7).

Figure 2-7. State chart

The state chart is dynamically updated as the model runs. A

separate window with the chart view can be displayed by selecting

the chart button from the general statistics tab.

2-8

Statistics Content properties: The content properties chart shows the

content of the object (see Figure 2-8).

Figure 2-8. Content chart

The content chart is dynamically updated as the model runs. A




Tutorials Lesson 2

Statistics Staytime properties: The staytime properties chart shows a

staytime histogram for flowitems in the object (see Figure 2-9).

Figure 2-9. Staytime histogram

The staytime histogram is dynamically updated as the model runs. A



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NOTE: To view reports, content charts and staytime histograms the

modeler must turn on the object statistics and the stats history. Since

the storing of histories can require large amounts of hard disk space,

the stats history is turned off by default. The flowing steps are

needed to turn on the object stats and the stats history.

Step 1: Selecting objects for stats

In the model view window you will need to make a selection of

objects for which you would like to record stats. This is done by

pressing the “Shift” key on the keyboard and dragging the mouse to

include the objects you want to select (Figure 2-10). Pressing the

“Ctrl” key and then clicking an object adds additional objects.

Figure 2-10. “Shift” and drag for selection


Tutorials Lesson 2

Once an object is selected you will see a red box around it (Figure 2-

11).

Figure 2-11. Selected objects

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).

Figure 2-12. Select Objects On and Global On

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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

choose to turn off the display of green boxes by selecting “Hide

Green Indicator Boxes” from the Stats menu (see figure 2-14).

Figure 2-13. Selected objects with stats histories turned on

Figure 2-14. Hide Green Indicator Boxes

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


Tutorials Lesson 2

then choose the menu option “Selection to Stats” from the main Run

menu.

Object ParametersThe object’s 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 object’s parameters. The layout of the parameters GUI is

illustrated in Figure 2-15.

Figure 2-15. Parameters GUI

This ends the Flexsim software concept learning section. It is now

time to build model 2.

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Building Model 2To start building model 2 you will need to load model 1 from the previous

lesson.

STEP 1: Load model 1 and Compile

Load model 1 by selecting the button on the toolbar. Select the

file for model 1 (.fsm file) saved from lesson 1. Once the model has

loaded, press the button from the toolbar. Remember, you

must compile before you can run the model.

STEP 2: Add the dispatcher and 2 operators to the model

The dispatcher is used to queue up task sequences for a team of

operators or transporters. In this case it will be used with 2 operators that

will be used to move flowitems from the queue to the testers. To add the

dispatcher and 2 operators, click-and-drag them from the library and

place them in the model as illustrated in Figure 2-16.

Figure 2-16. Addition of dispatcher and operators


Tutorials Lesson 2

STEP 3: Connecting Central and Input/Output Ports

In this case the queue is going to request that an operator pick up

the flowitem and take it to one of the testers. The flow logic has

already been set on the queue in lesson 1. You will not need to

change the flow logic. You will only need to request an operator to be

used for the task. Since we are using 2 operators we will use a

dispatcher to queue the requests and then pick a free operator to

perform the task. If we only had 1 operator we would not need the

dispatcher and could connect the operator to the queue directly.

In order to use the dispatcher to direct a team of operators to

perform a task, the dispatcher must be connected to the central port

of the object requesting the operator. To connect the central port of

the dispatcher to the queue, press and hold the “S” key on the

keyboard and the click-and-drag from the dispatcher to the queue

(see Figure 2-17).

Figure 2-17. Press “S” and click-and-drag

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When you release the mouse a connection from the dispatcher’s

central port will connect to the central port of the queue (Figure 2-

18).

Figure 2-18. Central port connection

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.


Tutorials Lesson 2

Figure 2-19. Pressing “A” and click-and-drag

Figure 2-20. Dispatcher output ports connected to operators input ports

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STEP 4: Modifying Queue Flow to Use Transporter (Operators)

The next step is to modify the queue’s flow parameters to use the

operators to make the move. This is done by double clicking on the

queue to bring up the parameters GUI. Once the GUI has appeared

select the flow tab. Check the box to “Use Transport” in the output

block under the “Send To Port” picklist (Figure 2-21).

Figure 2-21. Check “Use Transport”

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.


Tutorials Lesson 2

STEP 5: Compile, Save the Model, and Test Run

At this point we should run the model to make sure that the changes

we have made to this point are working. The first thing we need to do

before we run is to . After the compile is complete save

the model as model 2 by pressing the button on the toolbar

and saving the model under the name model 2.

Run the model to verify that the operators are moving the flowitems

from the queue to the testers.

STEP 6: Incorporating Operators for the Setup Time for the Testers

In order for the testers to use the operators during set up, a

connection must be made between the central ports of each tester to

central ports of the dispatcher. This is done by pressing and holding

the “S” key on the keyboard and click-and-drag between the

dispatcher and each tester. When completed the links will be

displayed as shown in Figure 2-22.

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

On the “Setup Time” pick list select the button to bring up the

code template window and change the time to 10 (Figure 2-24).

Figure 2-24

Click “OK” to close the code template window. Click “Apply” on the

main page to save the change. Now open the “Operators” tab.


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

STEP 7: Disconnecting Ports from Conveyors to the Sink

Before adding the conveyor queue it is necessary to disconnect the

input and output port connections between the conveyors and the

sink. This is done by pressing and holding the “Q” key on the

keyboard and then click-and-drag from the conveyor to the sink.

Once the ports are disconnected, drag-and-drop a queue from the

library to the end of the center conveyor. Then connect the

conveyors’ output ports to the queue input port by pressing and

holding the “A” key and click-and-drag from each conveyor to the

queue. Then connect the output port of the queue to the sink by the

same process. When finished your layout should look like Figure 2-

26.

Figure 2-26. Completed connections

Now that the layout has been revised and the port connection

created the fork truck can be added.


The “A” key will connect input/output ports while the “Q” key will disconnect input/output ports.

Tutorials Lesson 2

STEP 8: Adding the Fork Truck

To add the fork truck to the model to move flowitems from the

conveyor queue to the sink is exactly the same as adding operators

to move flowitems from the input queue to the testers. Since there

will be only 1 fork truck in the model there is no need for a

dispatcher. The fork truck will be directly connected to the central

port of the queue.

Drag and drop a fork truck from the library into the model view

(Figure 2-27).

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

STEP 9: Adjust the Queue Flow Parameters to Use the Fork Truck

The next step in this model is to adjust the queue flow parameters to

use the fork truck. Double click on the queue to bring up the

parameters GUI (Figure 2-29).

Figure 2-29


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 . Once the model has compiled it is time

to run the model.

2-26

STEP 10: Run the Model

This is the rewarding part of building the model. It’s time to check

and see if the model is working the way you want. During the model

run use the animation to visually inspect the model to see if

everything is working properly (Figure 2-30).

Figure 2-30. Running model

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.


Tutorials Lesson 2

STEP 11: Analyzing the Output

Using the information about how to turn on the stat histories

explained earlier in the lesson, view the object statistics in the

properties GUI. By looking at the animation and the charts (Figure 2-

31), does this model have a bottleneck?

Figure 2-31. Various charts during simulation run

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. This ends lesson 2.

Congratulations! Can you go the extra mile? Great! It just gets better!

2-28

Lesson 2 Extra Mile

IntroductionThis extra mile session is designed to teach the modeler how to add

the extra touch to make the model show data and information as the

model is running. In this lesson we will look at how to add 3D charts

and graphs, and visual 3D text to the model you finished in lesson 2.

What You Will Learn1. Add a 3D content graph for the Queue.

2. Add a 3D histogram to show the wait time for the Queue

3. Add a 3D pie chart to show the state profile for each

operator1, and operator2.

4. Add 3D visual text to show the average wait at the Conveyor

Queue.

5. How to position the graphs, charts, and text for best viewing.

New ObjectsIn this lesson you will be introduced to the VisualTool, and Recorder

objects.



Tutorials Lesson 2


Building Model 2 Extra MileTo start building model 2 extra mile you will need to load model 2 from

the last lesson.

STEP 1: Load Model 2 and Compile

STEP 2: Save Model as “Model 2 Extra Mile”, and turn on History

Under the “File” menu select the option “Save As” and save your

model under the name of “Model 2 Extra Mile”. Before you start

make sure that you have turned on the history for all your objects.

History needs to be on to show histograms and content plots (see

Lesson 2, page 2-11 - 2-13).

STEP 3: Add a Recorder to Show the Content of the Queue

Drag a “Recorder” object from the library and place it above the to

the left of the Source object as shown in Figure 2-32.

Figure 2-32

2-30

STEP 4: Adjust the Parameter of the Recorder to show a Content Graph of the Queue

Double-click on the Recorder object to bring up the “Recorder

Parameter Wizard” as shown in Figure 2-33.

Figure 2-33. Recorder Parameters Wizard

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).

Figure 2-34. Capture Data Options

Then press the “Next” button.


Tutorials Lesson 2

STEP 5: Set the Display Options of the Recorder

Now select the “Display Options” button on the wizard page (see

Figure 2-33). In the “Graph Title” field type the title “Queue Content

Graph” (see Figure 2-35). This is a user defined field for the title of

the graph. You can type anything you want here. Then press the

“Done” button.

Figure 2-35. Standard Display Options

STEP 6: Adjust the Visual Properties of the Graph

The visual properties of the graph can be edited in the “Properties”

GUI by right clicking on the Recorder and then selecting properties

(see Figure 2-36).

Figure 2-36. Selecting the Properties GUI

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).

Figure 2-37. Recorder Parameters

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).


Tutorials Lesson 2

.

Figure 2-38. Adjusted content graph.

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.

Figure 2-39. Selecting the “staytime” option

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 2-

40.

Figure 2-40. Staytime graph

STEP 8: Add a State Pie Chart for each Operator

Follow the same procedure outlined in steps 3-5 to add a state pie

chart for each operator. The only difference is to select the state

option in the “Data to capture” field (see Figure 2-41).

Figure 2-41. Slecting the “State” option


Tutorials Lesson 2

Size both graphs to be 5 by 5 in the properties GUI (see Figure 2-

42).

Figure 2-42. Sizing the graphs to “SX” 5 and “SY” 5

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.

Figure 2-43. State pie charts for Operator 1 and Operator 2

STEP 9: Adding 3D Text to the Model

Another way to add information to the model that can show

performance measure while the model is running is to place 3D text

at strategic point in the layout. This is done using the VisualTool

object, and select the “Text” option for the “Visual Display”. In this

model we will add 3D text to show the average wait time if flowitems

in the “Conveyor Queue”.

Drag out a “VisualTool” object into the model and place it by the

“Conveyor Queue” (see Figure 2-44).


Tutorials Lesson 2

Figure 2-44. VisualTool Object

The VisualTool default display is a plane showing the Flexsim logo.

Double-click on the VisualTool to bring up the parameter GUI (see

Figure 2-45).

Figure 2-45. VisualTool GUI

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).

Figure 2-46. Text display pick list

Then select the code template button to change the displayed

text to read “The average staytime of the Conveyor Queue is:” as

shown in Figure 2-47.

Figure 2-47. Defining the 3D text display


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 2-

47). 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).

Figure 2-48. Connecting the VisualTool with the Conveyor Queue

2-40

Compile the model and you will see the text in the model view (see

Figure 2-49).

Figure 2-49. 3D text in the model view

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.

Figure 2-50. Adjusting the text size and thickness


Tutorials Lesson 2

At the bottom left of the VisualTools parameters GUI select the

“Properties” button to open the properties GUI (see figure 2-51).

Figure 2-51. The Properties Button

In the properties GUI, rotate the text to 90 in the “RX” field (see

Figure 2-52).

Figure 2-52. Rotate the text to 90 degrees

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).

Figure 2-53. Positioning the 3D text

STEP 10: Save the Model, Compile and Run

When the text is placed where you want, save the model, then

compile. When the model has finished compiling you are ready to

run the model and look at the graphs, charts, and 3D text you have

just finished putting in the model (see Figure 2-53).


Tutorials Lesson 2

Figure 2-54. The completed Model

This ends the “Model 2 Extra Mile” lesson. As you can see it is very

easy to add powerful 3D reporting visuals to your simulation models.

2-44

Lesson 3

IntroductionLesson 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.

What You Will Learn1. How to use spline points for conveyor layout

2. Using global tables for routing logic

3. Using a path network for the fork truck

4 .How to use the report to create user defined output

5. How to execute multiple runs of the model

6 .How to use Fly Paths for model presentation

New ObjectsIn this lesson you will be introduced to the Rack, NetworkNode, and

Spline objects.



Tutorials Lesson 3

Model 3 DescriptionIn 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.

Figure 3-1. Model 3 diagram

Model 3 DataModify 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 manner-

Itemtype 1 to rack 2



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


SplinePointsSplinePoints are used in Flexsim to define and design

SplineConveyor and path layouts. Flexsim uses advanced spline

technology to allow the modeler a convenient method to add curves,

inclines, and declines to SplineConveyors and NetworkNode paths.

Though the use of a spline for a SplineConveyor and a NetworkNode

may differ, the application is the same. This discussion will be

focused on the NetworkNode path but the application is the same for

the SplineConveyor.

When two NetworkNodes are placed in the model view and

connected to together by pressing the “A” key and click-and-drag a

green path line will be displayed (Figure 3-2).

Figure 3-2. Connecting NetworkNodes

If you zoom the view close to the SplinePoint Flexsim will display

“SplinePoint” information for the modeler (Figure 3-3).


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-3. “SplinePoint” information view

SplinePoint parametersDeltax: 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).

Figure 3-4. Selected SplinePoint ball.

To move the SplinePoint in the XY angle or to add a curve to the

path just click-and-drag the ball with the left mouse button in the

model view window. To change the Z height of the SplinePoint,

select the ball and click-and-drag with both the right and left mouse

buttons, then roll the mouse forward to lower the SplinePoint, or roll

the mouse backward to raise the SplinePoint (Figure 3-5).

3-4

Figure 3-5. Changing the Z height of the SplinePoint

Adding Additional SplinePointsAdditional SplinePoints can be added to the path by holding down

the “Ctrl” key and then clicking on a SplinePoint (Figure 3-6). If a

SplinePoint is clicked a SplinePoint will be added at the center point

between the clicked SplinePoint and the SplinePoint that

immediately follows the clicked SplinePoint (Figure 3-7).

Figure 3-6. Adding a SplinePoint at to the path


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-7. Adding a SplinePoint between 2 SplinePoints

Once SplinePoints have been added to the path they can be moved

independently to configure the shape (Figure 3-8).

Figure 3-8. Moving SplinePoints to configure the shape of the path

NetworkNodes can be configured to specify the number of resources

and direction of the path. By pressing the “S” key and clicking-and-

dragging from one NetworkNode to the other you can define the path

as a single direction path. This is indicated by a red line on the side of

the path that can no longer be used. (Figure 3-9).

3-6

Figure 3-9. Single direction path

When a path has been configured using SplinePoints, the mobil

resources that use the path will automatically follow the spline that

has been defined. The SplinePoint balls can be toggled on and off by

holding down the “Ctrl” key and clicking on the NetworkNode (Figure

3-10).

Figure 3-10. SplinePoints turned off with “Ctrl” click on the NetworkNode

Note: When using a SplinePoints in your model it is important to

select the “Lock Splines” in the “Edit” menu. This will lock the

SplinePoints and will increase the run speed substantially.


Tutorials Lesson 3

The Model Tree ViewThe model tree view is used in Flexsim to explore the model

structure and objects in detail. To access the model tree view select

the button from the toolbar. The model tree view will then be

displayed (Figure 3-11).

Figure 3-11. Model tree view

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

Tree View BasicsFlexsim has been designed to hold all data and information in a tree

structure. This tree structure is the core data structure for all of

Flexsim’s object oriented design. Those who are familiar with C++

object oriented programming will immediately recognize Flexsim’s

tree view as the C++ standard for object oriented data management.

There are several symbols used in the tree view that will help you

understand the structure as you navigate the tree.

The entire main tree view is referred to as a project. The library,

flowitem bin, and model are contained in a project. The view tree

contains all the views and GUI definitions. When a session is saved

the main tree and the views tree are saved.

The folder icon identifies main components of the complete

project. The model is a component of the main project. The library is

another component of the main project.

The object icon is used to represent Flexsim objects in the

tree view.

The node icon is used to specify data nodes within

an object. Data nodes can have additional data nodes placed inside

them. If a data node has a “+” just to the left of the icon it will contain

one or more additional data nodes. Data nodes can hold numeric or

alphanumeric values.

Certain data nodes are specified as C++ data nodes

that hold C++ code. C++ code can be entered directly in a C++ data

node. This code is compiled when the “Build C++” is executed.

Data nodes can also be specified as a “Flexscript” node.

This node can contain Flexscript code and will be auto-compiled

during the running of the model. Flexscript commands are pre-

compiled C++ functions. Flexscript commands can be viewed by

selecting the button in the toolbar (Figure 3-12).


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-12. Flexscript commands

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:

A highlighting box will be placed around the object icon and an

expand tree symbol will be place to the left of the object icon. If

you select this expand tree symbol the data nodes for that object will

be displayed as shown in Figure 3-13.

3-10

Figure 3-13. Expanded object tree view

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-and-

drag 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 3-

14).


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-14. Text and value data nodes

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

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.

Figure 3-15. Editing of a value data node

Figure 3-16. Editing a text data node

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 .


Tutorials Lesson 3


Building Model 3To start building model 3 you will need to load model 2 from the last

lesson.

STEP 1: Load Model 2 and Compile

Once the model has loaded press the Compile button on the toolbar.

When the build process is complete you will be ready to reconfigure the

layout.

STEP 2: Reconfigure the conveyors graphically to drop flowitems into the queue

Using the ConveyorLayout tab on Conveyor 1 and 3, reconfigure the

conveyor layout to drop flowitems in the queue (see Figure 3-17a and

Figure 3-17b). You will need to add at least 1 additional curved conveyor

section to do this.

Figure 3-17a. Adding sections to reconfigure Conveyors 1and 3.

3-14

Figure 3-17b. Layout after the Conveyors have been reconfigured.

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).


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-18. Racks added to the model

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 button on the toolbar.

2. When the “User Defined Tables and Events” window appears

press the button under global tables. The default name

of the table will appear in the global tables pick list.

3. Select the button to define the table.

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 rack number we want to send the flowitems.

3-16

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 . Edit the template to use the table called “rout”

(see Figure 3-19).

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.


Tutorials Lesson 3

STEP 7: Compile, save the model, and run

At this point it would be wise to compile, save the model and then run the

model to verify the changes added to the model. The model should run

with the fork truck moving flowitems to the racks based on the itemtype

definition in the global table. Once you have saved your model as model

3, compiled and run the model to verify that it is working properly, the

path network can now be added.

STEP 8: Adding NetworkNodes to develop a path for the Fork Truck

In Flexsim NetworkNode’s are used to develop a path network for a

Fork truck, operator, ASRSvehical, and a crane. In the previous

lessons we have used the operator and fork truck to move flowitems

around the model. To this point they have used the default

movement of each object type. At this point we would like to confine

the movement of the fork truck to a specific path as it moves

flowitems from the conveyor queue to the racks. The following steps

are used to set up a simple path.

1. Drag-and-drop a NetworkNode (in the Moble Resources

group) that will be used for the pick-up point and drop-off

point at each object (see Figure 3-20). You will need four

(4) NetworkNodes in the model.

Figure 3-20. Drag-and-drop NetworkNodes (yellow spots) into the model

3-18

2. Connect the NetworkNodes to each other by pressing

the “A” key on the keyboard and click-and-drag a line

between each NetworkNode (see Figure 3-21). A green

line will appear when the connection is made.

Figure 3-21. Connections between NetworkNodes (port connects have been hidden to

enable better viewing of the NetworkNode connections)


Tutorials Lesson 3

3. Connect the NetworkNode to the object that the fork

truck will pick-up and drop-off. This needs to be done so

that fork truck will know what NetworkNode to be at

when the pick-up or drop-off is made. This is done by

pressing the “A” key on the keyboard and then click-and-

drag a line from the NetworkNode to the object. A thin

blue line will appear when the connection is made (see

Figure 3-22).

Figure 3-22. Connections from NetworkNodes to objects

3-20

4. The last step is to connect the fork truck to the node

network. In order for the fork truck to know that it has to

use the path it must be connected to one of the

NetworkNodes in the path network. This is done by

pressing the “A” key on the keyboard and then click-and-

drag a line from the fork truck to a NetworkNode. A red

line will appear when the connection is made (see figure

3-23).

Figure 3-23. Connecting the fork truck to the NetworkNode

STEP 9: Compile, save and run the model

At this point it would be a good idea to save the model, Compile and

then run the model to make sure the fork truck is using the path

network.


Tutorials Lesson 3

A word about offsetsAs the model runs you will notice that the fork truck will move off the

NetworkNode as it picks up, or drops off the flowitem. This is a result

of having the “Travel offsets for load/unload tasks” selected in the

fork trucks parameters (see Figure 3-24).

Figure 3-24. Travel offsets for load/unload tasks is selected

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.

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Path SplinePointsYou 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).

Figure 3-25. Path SplinePoints

Path SplinePoints add a tremendous amount of flexibility as well as a

reduction of NetworkNodes needed to build complex paths. Path

networks automatically use Dyjkstra’s algorithm to determine the

shortest distance for all path movements.


Tutorials Lesson 3

STEP 10: Using the report to view output

To access the reporting features in Flexsim you must select the

objects in the model you want included in the report. This is done at

the end of the run. To select objects press and hold the “Ctrl” key on

the keyboard and then select the object with your mouse. When an

object is selected a red box will appear around the object (see Figure

3-26). To select a conveyor you must click-and-drag a box that

includes a portion of the conveyor.

Figure 3-26. Selecting objects to include in the report

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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).

Figure 3-27. Report Editor and Generator

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..


Tutorials Lesson 3

Figure 3-28. Basic report (Micrsoft Excel)

Figure 3-29. State report (Microsoft Excel)

3-26

STEP 11: Running multiple runs of your model using the Simulation Experimenter

To access the “Experimenter” in Flexsim select the experimenter

button in the lower right of the main window (see Figure 3-30).

Figure 3-30

When pressed, the “Simulation Experiment Control” window will

appear (see Figure 3-31).

Figure 3-31. Simulation Experiment Control


Tutorials Lesson 3

The simulation experiment control GUI allows you to define a

number of replications to run the model, a warm up period, and the

simulation end time. Each run is saved in the “Experiment” directory

as a project. The model is saved in the final state so the user can

load the model and review the output data.

NOTE: Remember to turn on the stats before the model is run if you

wish to save the history. Stats are required if you wish to review any

histograms, or content vs. time plots. Reports and state graphs to not

need history stored. See Lesson 2 for a discussion on how to turn on

the stats and save stat histories.

STEP 12: Using Flypaths for model presentation

Flypaths allow a modeler to specify a sequence of view points that

can be played back at user-defined time intervals. Multiple flypaths

can be defined. When editing a flypath, the sequence of view points

can be captured automatically. The user specifies the time required

to travel from one view point to the next in the sequence.

The following steps create flypaths:

1. Select the “Fly Paths” option in the “Presentation” menu (see

Figure 3-32).

2.

Figure 3-32

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3. The flypath GUI will then appear (see Figure 3-33).

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).

Figure 3-34. Edit flypath dialog


Tutorials Lesson 3

5. It is usually preferable to use a “Persp” view and adjusts the

settings to hide connections. This is done by selecting the

settings menu on the model view window (see Figure 3-35).

Figure 3-35. Model view window settings

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6. The next step is to designate the model view window as the

selected view (sv). This is done by right clicking in the model

view window and selecting the “Set as Selected View sv()”

option (see Figure 3-36).

Figure 3-36. Designating the model view as the selected view sv()


Tutorials Lesson 3

7. Once the model view has been designated as the selected

view you can add a view point to the flypath. This is done by

navigating the model view to the desired view with the

mouse. Once you have the view in the model view window

that you want to add to the fly path just press the

in the edit flypath dialog. The view

information will be added to the flypath table (see Figure 3-

37).

Figure 3-37. Adding a sv() point to the flypath dialog

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.

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

3-32

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.

Figure 3-38. Run the flay path

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!


Tutorials Lesson 3

Lesson 3 Extra Mile

IntroductionThis extra mile session is designed to teach the modeler how to

develop a Flexsim presentation. Flexsim has a unique capability to

integrate simulation models with 3D text slides and fly paths to

create a flow for the presentation. No other software in the world

combines discrete event simulation, presentation slides, and fly

through in a true 3d environment. By learning this technique a whole

new presentation platform will be available to you to use with or

without simulation.

What You Will Learn1. How to add presentation slides to the model.

2. How to define 3D text.

3. How to use the Presentation Builder model view to build a

sequence of fly paths.

4. How to edit fly path sequences.

5. How to run a Flexsim Presentation.

New Objects, and Model View OptionsIn this lesson you will be introduced to the Presentation slide option

of the VisualTool. You will also learn how to use to Presentation

Builder model view to build and edit fly path sequences. And you will

learn how to use the Full Screen view to show the presentation.


3-34

Model 3 Extra Mile DescriptionIn model 3 Extra Mile we will use the model we developed in Model 2

Extra Mile to create a presentation for management. The only

additions we will make to the model will be used in the presentation.

First we will add an opening slide that will identify the objectives of

the presentation. The objective of this model is to show that 2

operators are needed to minimize the average wait time in the queue

before the processes and to show the state charts of each operator

to prove they are not over works. Additionally we want to know what

the average wait for a fork truck is in the queue after the process.

The presentation should provide the information necessary to

convince management that the process run reasonably smoothly.


Tutorials Lesson 3


Building Model 3 Extra MileTo start building model 3 extra mile you will need to load Model 2

Extra Mile from the last Extra Mile lesson.

STEP 1: Load Model 2 Extra Mile and Compile

STEP 2: Add the VisualTool to the model and select the Presentation Slide option

Before we start building the presentation slide, close the “Ortho” view

and open the “Persp” view. This view is preferred when viewing

presentation slides. To add a presentation slide to the model drag-

and-drop a VisualTool into the model view window to the left of the

model (Figure 3-39).

Figure 3-39. Adding a VisualTool to the model

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Now double-click on the VisualTool to open the parameters GUI. In

the “Visual Display” pick list select the “Presentation Slide” option

(Figure 3-40) and click the “OK” button.

Figure 3-40. Selecting the Presentation Slide visual display

Once the “Presentation Slide” option is selected the VisualTool now

becomes a special container for text display. This means that when

you drag-and-drop another VisualTool object into the presentation

slide it will automatically be added as a 3D text to the slide. The first

VisualTool you add will be placed as a “header text” on the slide.

Additional VisualTools may be added to slide as bullet points on the

slide. They will automatically be formatted on the slide. If we wanted

to have a slide header and 3 bullet points on the slide we would need

to drag-and-drop 4 VisualTools onto the slide.


Tutorials Lesson 3

STEP 3: Drag-and-drop 4 VisualTool objects onto the Presentation Slide

Drag-and-drop 4 additional VisualTools into the Presentation Slide.

Make sure you drop them on the slide. If done correctly you should

see the word “HELLO” 4 times on the slide. The first will be the

header text and the following 3 will be bullet text (figure 3-41).

Figure 3-41. Adding text to the slide

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

STEP 4: Defining the text

To define the text on the slide, double-click on the presentation slide.

This will open the parameters GUI for the VisualTool. A new tab will

now appear at the top called “Texts”. Select this tab and you will now

see the input fields to define the 4 text objects on the slide (Figure 3-

42). For convenience you may want to rename The VisualTool to

“Opening Slide”.

Figure 3-42. The “Texts” tab

Each text can now be edited by pressing the code template

button.


There is room for 4 text objects in the Texts tab. If you have more than 4 the text can be edited by double-clicking on the text itself on the slide. This will open the Text GUI only and the text can be edited.

Each text is a separate VisualTool object that can be edited individually.

Tutorials Lesson 3

For Text 1 select the button and enter the following text:

Then press the “OK” button.

Then give the text some 3D thickness by placing the number .2 in

the thickness field, and change the color of the text as shown below:

The text will not change on the screen until the model is compiled.

Select “OK” on the presentation slide and compile the model. The

header text should now be displayed (figure 3-43).

Figure 3-43. Header text after compile

3-40

Text Layout Tip

Text can be moved and arranged on the slide by clicking on the text and moving it with the mouse. The text will show a yellow box around it when selected.

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.

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.

Define “Text 2” as follows:



Select the “OK” button on the presentation slide and compile the

model.


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).

Figure 3-44. Adjusting the slide size to fit the text

The slide is now ready (Figure 3-45).

Figure 3-45. Finished slide

3-42

STEP 5: Defining the Slide Background

You may notice how the background texture interferes with the text

on the slide so it may be necessary to change or remove the

background texture.

TransparencyThe 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 + Flexsim.tmp = transparency

BalanceRock.jpg + BalanceRock.tpg = transparent and solid

BalanceRock2.jpg + BalanceRock2.tpg = transparency, transparent, and solid


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 don’t 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 to open the “Select

Bitmap file” dialog (Figure 3-46).

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

The Flexsim logo will now have transparency on the slide

background (Figure 3-47).

Figure 3-47. Slide with transparency in the background


Tutorials Lesson 3

STEP 6: Position the Slide for the Presentation

For our presentation it would be best if the slide was standing up and

not on the floor. To make this change double-click on the

presentation slide to bring up the parameters GUI. In the “Position,

Rotation, and Size” box change the “Z” value to 3.00 and the “RX”

value to 90.00 (Figure 3-48).

Figure 3-48. Adjusting the height and rotation

3-46

Slide Layout Tip

The slide can be manipulated in the model view with the mouse. Just select the slide then with the right mouse button pressed you can rotate the slide. With both the right and left buttons pressed you can change the height.

The slide is now completely ready for the presentation (Figure 3-49).

Figure 3-49. View of the completed slide

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.


Tutorials Lesson 3

STEP 7: Defining Fly Paths Using the Presentation Builder

To minimize the number of model view windows open close the

current model view before opening the “Presentation Builder” model

view. To open the “Presentation Builder” model view select the

“Presentation Builder” in the “Presentation” menu.

The presentation builder model view is a perspective view with some

added features. There is a set of buttons in the upper right corner of

the window and the background color is light blue (Figure 3-50).

Figure 3-50. Presentation Builder model view

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 BasicsA 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.

2. Press the “New Sequence” button in the upper right corner

of the model view. You should see the number 1 appear in

the current value. This action will start a new sequence AND

place the first view point in the sequence.


Tutorials Lesson 3

3. Adjust the model view to the next position you want to fly-to

in this sequence and select the “New View Point” button.

For this presentation we will use 2 view points, so we need

to add only one new view point.

3-50

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.

Adjust the time to go to the second point to 4000 (4 seconds).

Now we are ready to add a new sequence.


Tutorials Lesson 3

5. Add a new sequence by adjusting the model view to the

content graph. Then press the “New Sequence”. You should

see the “Current” value change to 2.

6. Adjust the model view to the queue wait time histogram and

then press the “New View Point” button.

3-52

7. Press the “Edit” button to edit the time to the second view

point to 4000.

This will finish the second sequence.

8. Adjust the model view to show the 2 Pie Charts for each

operator. Place the view up high so we can zoom in on the

next view point. Now press the “New Sequence” button. The

number 3 should now be displayed as current.


Tutorials Lesson 3

9. Adjust the view to zoom into the pie charts and then press

the “New View Point” button.

10. Press the “Edit” button to edit the time for view point 2 as in

the other sequences to 4000.

3-54

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 4th and

final sequence for this presentation.

12. Adjust the model view to look straight at the text and then

press the “New View Point” button.


Tutorials Lesson 3

13. Press the “Edit” button to edit the time for the second point to

4000 as before on the previous sequences.

We have now completed 4 sequences for your presentation. It time

to run the presentation to see how it looks.

3-56

STEP 8: Running the Presentation

To run the presentation compile the model, click on the animation

window (the window needs to be selected for the navigation to work),

and the press the “Space Bar” or the number key 1. This should take

you to the first sequence and run the fly path. Hit the “Space Bar” to

move to the second sequence, and so on. Amazing! You have built

your first presentation in Flexsim! Power Point will never be the same

again.

To view a larger presentation open the sample model called “Flexsim

Introduction.fsm” by pressing the “Samples” button on the toolbar.

You are only limited by your own creativity when you create

presentations.

You have now experienced a basic introduction to Flexsim, the latest

and greatest in simulation technology. There is a vast world of

additional features, tools, and capabilities within Flexsim that cannot

be covered in this basic tutorial. We invite you to attend one of our

Flexsim training courses to learn more about what the software can

do for you. Training courses are listed at www.flexsim.com

Have fun exploring the world of Flexsim. If you ever need help or

have any questions please contact our support group at

[email protected].



http://www.flexsim.com/

Tutorials Lesson 3

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