How can I integrate an optimization c++ algorithm into flexsim for simulation?

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Neisser V asked Jun 09 2019 at 4:41 AM Jordan Johnson commented Jul 08 2019 at 3:32 PM

How can I integrate an optimization c++ algorithm into flexsim for simulation?

I am looking for an integration of a metaheuristic algorithm made in c++ with flexsim in the same way Optquest does, so i whould like to know if it is possible to find a tutorial or a guide to do that.

Software Version:

FlexSim 19.1.0

custom code optimization c++ and user commands

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Answer 1 · 2019-06-10T15:53:00Z

Jordan Johnson answered Jun 10 2019 at 3:53 PM Jordan Johnson commented Jul 08 2019 at 3:32 PM

If your issue is cost, it would probably be cheaper (in terms of time) to just buy an OptQuest license.

If your issue is that you want to control the metaheuristic, instead of using OptQuest's, then you could perhaps use the dll approach. However, if I were attempting it, I would write a C++ program that does the following:

Writes a file (maybe a .csv file) that has the variables for FlexSim
Opens a FlexSim model that has the following triggers:
1. OnModelOpen - reads the input file, configures the model, and calls run(). You may also want to use the commandlineparam() command in that trigger, so that you can open the model manually and not have it start running immediately. You could also use that command to determine which random stream to use (if you are running replications).
2. OnModelStop - writes an output file with the performance measures, and then calls exit(). This trigger should also probably check the command line parameter.
The C++ program waits for the output file to appears
Once the output file appears, the C++ program reads that file, and uses those results to run the metaheuristic.
Using the results of the metaheuristic, the C++ program writes another file.

In this way, you can write your own optimization algorithm. If you are running replications, you could launch many flexsims at once, all opening the same model, and wait for all replication results to appear.

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Neisser V commented · Jun 14 2019 at 8:38 PM

Hi @jordan.johnson, I think my issue is that I need to control the metaheuristic, so, that's why i cannot use the OptQuest approach. I would like to write the C++ program you mention but I have not to much idea of how to do it. I'd appreciate any help you may share with me regarding your expertise in the matter. Thanks!

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Neisser V Neisser V commented · Jul 07 2019 at 10:49 PM

Hi @jordan.johnson can you helpme'

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Jordan Johnson ♦♦ Neisser V commented · Jul 08 2019 at 3:32 PM

Hi Neisser, for additional help on this question, you will need to contact your local distributor. Advice or help on developing a C++ application is outside the scope of this forum.

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Answer 2 · 2019-06-09T07:43:45Z

Steven Hamoen answered Jun 09 2019 at 7:43 AM Neisser V commented Jun 14 2019 at 7:33 PM

@Neisser V You first have to create the DLL in C++ containing the algorithm. If you have that you can call those functions from FlexSim. There are 2 ways to create a DLL. One is the (slightly older) DLL Maker The other option is using the module SDK

So please check them out and their documentation.

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