Combiner OnEntry Set Pack Contents Method

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Jason V2 asked Jan 16, '20 Jason V2 commented Jan 17, '20

Combiner OnEntry Set Pack Contents Method

I've got different Pack Contents methods depending on what item is being palletized, but they all use the same pallet size. Rather than using different pallet flow items, I'm wondering if it's possible to set the Pack Contents on the flow item using an OnEntry trigger on a Combiner object?

If it would help, I can certainly put together a sample file.

combiner packing method onentry

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Attachments: Up to 12 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 23.8 MiB each and 47.7 MiB total.

tannerp commented · Jan 16, 2020 at 09:11 PM

Hi @Jason V2,

This is definitely something you could do. One solution I can think of would be to put a label on the pallets so that when they enter the Combiner, you can use the label as a row number to look up the Pack Contents in a Global Table. You could also use an OnEntry trigger like you mentioned to update the Pack Contents. It might be easiest to use Process Flow, because label assignment and use are so easily accomplished that way.

If you are willing to post a small example model, I'd be happy to help you configure something that would work. Let me know by tagging me @tanner.p

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Jason V2 tannerp commented · Jan 16, 2020 at 10:30 PM

Hi Tanner,

I've attached a small example model.

When a pallet enters the Combiner8Lb, I would like to change the "Pack Contents" on that pallet to my custom 8LbPallets packing method.

Once I get this working, I will use the same pallets, but a different packing method on the Combiner5Lb.

This will allow me to use the same pallet supply to feed multiple lines, which is the way my factory lines ultimately run.

combinersetpackcontents.fsm

Thanks!

Jason

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combinersetpackcontents.fsm (43.1 KiB)

Answer 1 · 2020-01-16T23:55:46Z

tannerp answered Jan 16, '20 Jason V2 commented Jan 17, '20

Hi @Jason V2,

I was able to set this up by creating another pallet in the Flow Item Bin that utilizes the 8 Lb Packing Method. Then, in the On Entry trigger on the Combiner, I added a line of code that assigns the node value for the Pack Method of the new pallet to the original pallet type. Hopefully that makes sense. Essentially, I changed where the pallet's node is pointing so that it uses the alternative packing method.

Let me know if this works as expected and if you have any questions.

combiner-packing-methods.fsm

different-pack-methods.png (19.1 KiB)

combiner-packing-methods.fsm (217.1 KiB)

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Attachments: Up to 12 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 23.8 MiB each and 47.7 MiB total.

Jason V2 commented · Jan 17, 2020 at 03:13 PM

Now that's an interesting approach. With having to have a separate flow item, it may be as easy just to setup a separate source, but this will do what I need as well. Thanks!

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