Process items in different sized batches

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michela-08 asked Dec 07 2022 at 4:54 PM michela-08 commented Dec 10 2022 at 4:12 PM

Process items in different sized batches

Hi,

In my model, 3 items enter a buffer Queue2 and move to next station. I want two of the parts of same item_type = HB to be processed in the machine together. For example, Part 1 sits in the machine and has to wait for the Part 2 to enter the machine. After both parts are available then the processing time should start in the machine, after processing is complete the two parts need to move out separately to next station. Whereas the Part 3 does not have any constraint just moves into the machine and gets processed alone.

I have considered using the combiner and separator for first two parts, but what do I do for the 3rd part? The 3rd part does not need a combiner and separator because of no condition.

How do I achieve this using only in one machine or is there any other way to do this? Please help

Software Version:

FlexSim 20.0.10

processor buffer

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Answer 1 · 2022-12-07T23:54:04Z

Jeanette F answered Dec 07 2022 at 11:54 PM michela-08 commented Dec 10 2022 at 4:12 PM

Your combiner and separator is a great idea for part 1 and part 2. You can add an on entry trigger that adjusts components list depending on the first item to enter, so in the case of part 3 it would set the component list value to 0.

If you wanted this all to be one processor then you will need to use process flow.

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michela-08 commented · Dec 08 2022 at 8:23 AM

Hi @Jeanette F

I have attached a sample model. The parts from Source 1 and Source 2 are with Item_label = "HB" and these parts needs to be processed together after they leave the common buffer to next station. How can I use a combiner and separator if only the Queue is the input for the combiner? I want those 2 parts to be processed with same time in the machine they enter while the 3rd part coming from source 3 does not have any condition but just process alone.

I want to do all this in one processor using processor. Can you send me a sample model of how to achieve this?

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Jeanette F ♦♦ michela-08 commented · Dec 08 2022 at 9:33 PM

Your sample model did not upload.

I created a sample model that hopefully answers your question. I created both scenarios. One thing to note is that in the example with the combiner, I kept things item Type based on part number you mentioned.

In the second case where there is just a processor I assigned part 1 and 2 the same label type.

Process in varying batches.fsm

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process-in-varying-batches.fsm (39.2 KiB)

michela-08 Jeanette F ♦♦ commented · Dec 09 2022 at 4:26 PM

Thank you @Jeanette F

The second method of the processor is really helpful, but I had a doubt will I be able to retain the part details after they are processed together and when they move out?

Part details such as PartNumber, destination and item_type?

I want to retain these details after it exists Processor 1 for all the parts exiting from the processor. Is this possible?

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