FlexSim Object Library Overview

The FlexSim library is made up of objects that are designed to interact with each other in a way that is easy to use and understand. These objects have been implemented using an object-oriented methodology, which involves a super-class/subclass hierarchy. Subclass objects inherit attributes and default behavior from their super-classes while specializing that behavior to fit a specific situation. In FlexSim, most objects in the library have been created as one of two general object types, or super-classes. These two general types we refer to as FixedResources and TaskExecuters.

FixedResources

FixedResources are stationary objects in your model that may represent steps in your process, such as processing stations or storage areas. Flowitems progress through the model by entering, being processed by, and then finishing at these steps in the model. When a flowitem is finished at one step, it is sent on to the next step, or FixedResource, in the model.

TaskExecuters

TaskExecuters are used as shared, mobile resources in the model. They may be operators that are required in order for a given step to process a flowitem, or they may transport flowitems between steps. They can perform many other simulation functions as well.

As you become more experienced in using FlexSim, you will realize that the distinction between FixedResources and TaskExecuters can sometimes become very blurred. TaskExecuters have the capability of simulating FixedResource-like processing steps in a model, while FixedResources can also be configured to travel or operate as shared resources. The only difference is the perspective from which you approach the problem.

Fluid Objects

There are eleven objects that are designed to handle fluid material. Nine of them cannot interact with FlexSim's Discrete objects, but two of them are designed to work as an interface between the Fluid Objects and the Discrete Objects. More information can be found in the Fluid Objects Overview.

Learning Suggestions

In getting to know the FlexSim object library, we suggest that you first read the help section for the FixedResource. Then read the help section for the TaskExecuter, as well as task sequence help. Once you are familiar with how these two general types of objects work, you can learn the specialized functionality for subclasses of these two general types. These subclasses are listed below.

Visual

VisualTool

Fluid Objects

Ticker
FluidTank
FluidGenerator
FluidTerminator
FluidMixer
FluidBlender
FluidSplitter
FluidPipe
FluidProcessor
ItemToFluid
FluidToItem

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