Process from different queue, in batch size, at different process times

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Tom J asked Jun 22, '17 Tom J edited Jul 10, '17

Process from different queue, in batch size, at different process times

Hi all, I am brand new to the program, using express version until i learn the program and ensure it can do what I need, then I will be looking into purchasing the full program.

Setting up a line from my plant. I have the presses created and it makes the parts i need. All the parts are made at a different cycle time but all go to the same machine next.

What i am looking to do is use the processor as my machine to take batches from different queue and process them at different process time.

I am looking for the processer to take:
From Queue 1 - Batch of 4, 10 sec to process each box, 40 second total
From Queue 2 - Batch of 4, 10 sec to process each box, 40 second total
From Queue 3 - Batch of 3, 12 sec to process each box, 36 second total
From Queue 4 - Batch of 3, 12 sec to process each box, 36 second total

I want it to repeat in this order.

I have not learned how to use Process Flow. not sure if this is what i will have to do or not.

I hope I have explained what I am look well enough, if you need more detail, please ask.

Thank you for any help.

Software Version:

FlexSim 17.1.2

process in batches

Answer 1 · 2017-06-28T08:47:06Z

Jeff Nordgren answered Jun 28, '17 Tom J edited Jul 10, '17

@Tom J

Attached is a sample model that will do what you have described. Being new to FlexSim, you may not understand some of the things that I've done in the model but should prove to you that what you described is possible.

Take a look at the model and see if it does what you are wanting. If you have questions about how things work, don't hesitate to ask.

batchprocesssample-jn1.fsm

batchprocesssample-jn1.fsm (19.9 KiB)

· 1

Tom J commented · Jul 07, 2017 at 06:54 PM

Good afternoon @Jeff Nordgren, I have gone a long way with my model since your last help. Ive added another line but there are no parts in the Queue until day 2. When that line is running, one of the other lines is not as it is using the same machine. Different process times and everything. The issue i am getting is that when the processor first gets to the new Queues, and there are no parts there, the system shuts down. I would like it ignore a Queue if there is no parts at it when it calls to it and move on to the next open Queue. I have attached my model. I hope you see what i am trying to do. It is not the cleanest model but it is doing the job for me so far. I am guessing it is the code for the onexit "open and close ports" code for the G4 processor but i just cant figure out the code. Any help would be grateful, thanks

-Tom

final-newest.fsm

***EDIT*** Thinking more over the weekend. The simplest thing to help the most is more create a schedule for the processor. How i have it now works good up until around tuesday then i run out of my yellow skids and the presses shut down. Might need to skip Queue 3 & 4 and move to the parts that run faster from the new Queue 5 & 6. Is there an easy way to create a schedule that can be changed with no code change. I can add and change what port or Queue to take from, and how many?

Thanks, - Tom

0 ·

final-newest.fsm (169.4 KiB)

Answer 2 · 2017-06-28T15:06:33Z

Tom J answered Jun 28, '17 Tom J commented Jun 28, '17

I have combined your file with mine, but 2 issues have occurred now. I have attached my file to show you. I have 2 sources that feed their own separator. These are my 2 presses that create a Left hand and a Right hand part at the same time that feed to their own Queue.

1) Issue from source 2. when they go down to the processor, sometimes it grabs 4 boxes from Queue 3 and 4 instead of the proper 3 boxes. I am guessing this is a simple item name issue.

2) We have a start qty in each Queue before the process starts up for the day. I found a tutorial the other day and it works great on its own. When i combine it with your file, i don't believe its getting the correct item name so once those boxes goes to the processor, it doesn't do the correct timing or count with the batch number. Is there a way to have these boxes that appear at the start to have the correct item name so it works properly?

I have tried to figure these 2 items out on my own, but my knowledge is not there yet. If you or someone else can look at it for me that would be awesome. I hope its simple fixes. If i have not explained myself clearly enough, please ask for any more detail.

Thanks

-Tom

final.fsmI

final.fsm (29.6 KiB)

· 1

Tom J commented · Jun 28, 2017 at 07:03 PM

Never mind, I figured it out, just needed to walk away from the computer for a bit.

For issue 1) changed the duniform(1,4) to duniform(3,4) so it always takes from correct spot on the table.

For 2) I put the onEntry target in the Queue to set the item number so the ones that enter by it self gets the correct item number. The first part of my flow is now complete! I have more complex thigns i want to do in the future but i will try to figure them out the best i can first.

0 ·

Answer 3 · 2017-06-28T12:34:53Z

Tom J answered Jun 28, '17 Tom J edited Jun 28, '17

Hey Jeff, Thanks for the reply. I have gone over your model. I don't understand all the code you use but I see where all the important data is. I think I can bring it over into my own model. Thank you for making this up for me.

I've edited it a little bit to get even closer to what I'm looking for. I took the "preform batching" off for the queues, and took the "max content" in the processor from 10 down to 1. We don't always have the correct amount in the Queue when its ready to take from it, but the last item will be there when its ready to go through the processor. It works just like I'm wanting it too. Takes the correct amount from each queue before moving to the next, and can have them at different process times.

Again, thanks for the help!

-Tom

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