How to have an operator do one sequence of tasks then move to a new sequence?

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Erik G3 asked Dec 7, '17 Raja Sekaran answered Dec 8, '17

How to have an operator do one sequence of tasks then move to a new sequence?

I have two processors and one operator with queues before and after each processor. I'm trying to get my operator to load processor 1 from queue 1 -> remain at processor 1 until the process is complete -> unload processor 1 to queue 2. Once the operator starts this sequence they need to complete it. Once complete, the operator is free to either start the previous sequence over again, load from queue 2 to processor 2, or unload processor 2 to queue 3. The operator is not required to stay at processor 2 while that process is running.

I've attempted to build this using 3D, process flow, and a combination of 3D and process flow.

In the hybrid the operator will leave processor 1 while it's still running.

3D/Process Flow Hybrid: pouch-back-end-3d-process-hybrid.fsm

The closest I've been able to get is using 3D and assigning priorities to the different flows, but this still isn't working 100% accurately. The operator will load processor 1 then leave to load/unload processor 2 then return to finish at processor 1.

3D: pouch-back-end-3d.fsm

In the process flow model the operator will work through the whole process sequentially instead of loading and unloading processor 2 as soon as it's ready.

Process Flow: pouch-back-end-original.fsm

As you can see I've tried a few different approaches and I'm honestly not sure which one is the best one to pursue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Software Version:

FlexSim 17.2.3

task sequence done by an operator operator task sequence operator several tasks

pouch-back-end-3d.fsm (23.4 KiB)

pouch-back-end-original.fsm (35.8 KiB)

pouch-back-end-3d-process-hybrid.fsm (31.7 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2017-12-08T06:44:17Z

Raja Sekaran answered Dec 8, '17

Hi @Erik G3,

I have reattached your 3D model with slight changes. I have set the preemption value as preempt only in Processor1 for calling operator. I think this will work for your situation.

Thanks.

pouch-back-end-3d-support.fsm

capture1.png (28.5 KiB)

capture2.png (24.2 KiB)

pouch-back-end-3d-support.fsm (25.0 KiB)

Answer 2 · 2017-12-08T06:43:29Z

Joerg Vogel answered Dec 8, '17

Maybe you find this question and its answer useful. The jobs a worker does are organized in task sequences. When a job is done the worker gets available and he is looking for a job which he finds in its own or in a dispatcher task sequence queue. Unfortunately he looks at a time when the processor which got the flow item doesn't has dispatched the utilize job to support the processing. Then the worker does another job.

You can insert a delay or wait task at every transport tasksequence to give the object receiving the item the opportunity to dispatch the utilize job. Then you have to manage the order of the task sequences to transfer the right sequence to the worker. For example you can change the priorities of the queued task sequences.

The above mentioned answer is only a part of the solution because you describe a situation where the worker has different options. You must still manage the order of the queued task sequences or transfer the possible right sequence to the worker if there are equal possibilities.

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