Alternating queue for single processor of many flow item types

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browna15 asked Jul 27, '23 browna15 commented Jul 28, '23

Alternating queue for single processor of many flow item types

In my system, I currently have a ProcessFlow that is responsible for controlling the processor pattern, which after every four flow items of one queue, switch to the other queue and process the next four (alternating between each queue). This is done by using the "QueueNum" label with type 1 being the first source and type 2 being the second source. There is also an additional process flow that creates a new flow item of type 14 which is suppose to represent a completed unit where the flow items that enter the queue and through the processor are not. This completed unit is completed each four units that pass through the processor.

My issue has to do with my sources I believe and maybe how they're represented in my process flow? My sources create several flow items "Type". Currently, there are four different types that can be create by % chance. Type 1 goes into Queue 1, Type 2 goes into Queue 2, etc. However any source can release any type of Flow Item of this category. As is, I experience either the issue of my source not creating a Flow Item of any of the label types dictated by the %chance, or the flow item is generated correctly, however the queue will only accept a specific type of a specific queue number label.

The flow is suppose to look like this:

Source (Generates one unit of types 1-4 through %chance) -> Conveyor -> Decision Point (Detects Type X flow item from any source) -> Send to QueueX -> Processsor (processes four units) -> Create Flow Item (into Queue 3 representing completed unit) -> Switch to the next Queue (as units continue to arrive into queues)

I have attached my model for better insight. Please let me know where I went wrong. Thank you in advance for the considerationZ
BatchingEXPANDED.fsm

Software Version:

FlexSim 17.1.6

queue item type in process flow alternate group

batchingexpanded.fsm (52.2 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2023-07-27T15:18:09Z

Natalie White answered Jul 27, '23 browna15 commented Jul 28, '23

As you can see from your error message, there is an error in the OnCreation trigger of your source. Line 39 was supposed to include the number 20 but you typed "2o."

Does this fix your problem? Source 2 should now be creating flow items with the correct label types.

· 10

browna15 commented · Jul 27, 2023 at 03:35 PM

Hi Natalie,

Thank you for the quick response. Your suggestion does fix the unit not getting the type assign. I still have the the units no entering the correct queue despite being the correct flow type now.

In this situation, I forced the type from both sources to type 1, which should go into queue 1 however the blue flow item still escaped the decision point. The flow items still keep the different QueueNum labels which are responsible for the alternating between Queues 1 and 2 and I believe this might be what is the issue? Is this something I can change in my decision point (Probably the easiest solution) or does the process flow need to be changed? What would these changes look like?

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1690471936843.png (469.1 KiB)

Natalie White browna15 commented · Jul 27, 2023 at 04:44 PM

This all depends on how your logic currently works. Where is your logic that determines which queue the flowitem goes to? Is it in your decision point, or your process flow? If the logic is in your decision point, you'll need to make sure your decision point refers to the label that you want.

If you need assistance with this solution, please attach your updated model and point me to where your logic is located. Timestamps of when your problem occurs are also helpful. I don't know the timestamp of your screenshot and haven't been able to replicate it, so it's harder to help.

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browna15 Natalie White commented · Jul 27, 2023 at 05:30 PM

I have figured out the issue with the Flow Items not going into their respective queues, however the processor won't accept Flow Items of "QueueNum2" which is part of the process flow logic that controls the alternation of four units between each queue that feeds the processor. Not sure how to go about altering the process flow to over come this issue. There is no specific time stamp as it happens for whenever a "QueueNum2" that is also "Type 1" flow unit enters Queue 1.

This is my model:

BatchingEXPANDED.fsm

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batchingexpanded.fsm (53.7 KiB)

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