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. Lesson 2 will also include an "Extra Mile" section at the end that will add additional value to your model.
Each lesson will have the following format:
- Introduction
- What you will learn
- Approximate completion time
- Model description
- Model data
- Step-by-step model construction
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.
Lesson 2 Extra Mile
After you have completed lesson 2 you will be shown how to add 3D charts and graphs to the model using Dashboards. 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.
Labels
This lesson will introduce you to the use of labels. You will also be introduced to Pull Requirements.
Global Properties
This lesson will introduce you to the basic concepts of global properties that can be used throughout your model. You will also be introduced to the Combiner and Separator objects.
User Events
This lesson will introduce you to User Events. Which can be used to execute specific code at specified times during the model run.
Time Tables
This lesson will introduce you to Time Tables.
Kinematics
This lesson will introduce you to using Kinematics to perform simultaneous movements with a single object.
Task Sequences
This lesson will introduce you Task Sequences and creating custom Task Sequences.
SQL
This lesson will introduce you to reading from and writing to a SQL database from FlexSim.
Feel free to contact our technical support group if you have any questions while working on these tutorials. FlexSim technical support can be reached at 801-224-6914, or you can contact us through a support request by going to the Help Menu and selecting Support Request. We hope you enjoy learning how FlexSim can help you optimize your processes.
Note: The statistics in the models you build might not be exactly the same as those found in these tutorials. Small differences in simple things like object placement can change the long term results. For the purpose of these tutorials, these differences are not important.
