Sorting via barcode labels

Question

question

Juan S4 asked Mar 9, '22 Juan S4 commented Mar 10, '22

Sorting via barcode labels

Sorting via barcode label RevA.fsmGood day. I am simulating a conveyor system with multiple mezzanine levels with multiple diverts (decision points). At the start of the conveyor line I apply a numerical label (barcode) to each box and then I want to use the numerical label (barcode) to contain the route info of each box so that when each box reaches the various decision points then I can route (send) the box left, right or straight at each decision point until the box reaches it's final destination. I am aquainted with building sorting systems in Flexsim but this sorting criteria / logic is a bit new to me. What is the most efficient way to build this logic into a sorting system? Would you need to populate a global table with columns and each column be linked to a specific decision point (and if so how does one do this?)? Please see attached model..

Thanks

Regards

Juan

Software Version:

FlexSim 22.1.0

label sorting

sorting-via-barcode-label-reva.fsm (60.9 KiB)

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Juan S4 commented · Mar 10, 2022 at 06:32 AM

Sorting via barcode label RevA.fsm

Please see attached simplified example of a model which depicts my question. I am looking for an easier / more efficient way to sort (route) boxes to the various destinations without having to use so many decision points. Please see my Global table. Perhaps one use the global table somehow to simplify the routing by using queries at each divert point?

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sorting-via-barcode-label-reva.fsm (60.9 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2022-03-10T07:43:45Z

Felix Möhlmann answered Mar 10, '22 Juan S4 commented Mar 10, '22

There are many ways this could be done.

As long as there is only one path for the items to take to a given destination a single decision point at the first junction can send the items directly to their final destination without the need for any further decision points. Either use the type label to determine the correct connection or, if the decision points are named properly, you could also use the type label to search for the right object without the need for any connections.

In both cases you can also get the rank or direct reference from a global table. (Pictured is the case of the table containing direct references to the destination objects)

If there are multiple possible paths or you want to employ decision points at more junctions for another reason I'd suggest to use the "Send Item By Case" option if you only want to split off certain types while all others continue on to the same next point (default case).

Finally, if there are multiple options that each encompass a range of type values you could write some simple logic using "if" conditions to determine the output rank/object.

sorting-via-barcode-label-reva-fm.fsm

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sorting-via-barcode-label-reva-fm.fsm (153.5 KiB)

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