how to count the number of flow items of certain item type in a model?

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Mario D3 asked Feb 5, '20 Joerg Vogel answered Feb 20, '20

how to count the number of flow items of certain item type in a model?

Hi, I am creating a model for a pharmacy in which I have two sources, one for the prescriptions, the other for the baskets - boxes in which the person introduces the prescription. The pharmacy only has 60 baskets, so I'd like to count the number of flow items (baskets) in the model in order to close the on exit port of the baskets source when the amount of this type of flow item is 60 and re open the port when the amount is less than 60. Im having trouble doing this, and i would really appreciate if someone could help me

Thank you in advance

Software Version:

FlexSim 20.0.0

labels triggers items count flow item

Answer 1 · 2020-02-05T05:12:54Z

Joerg Vogel answered Feb 5, '20

There are two scenarios you might think about.

you create 60 basket items at start of model run. These items never leave the model. There type is Tote or Pallet. You use combiners to put boxes into them and separators to unpack the boxes.
OnExit trigger of this source you increment a label at the object. And if it’s value rises to 60 you close the output. At the sink of your model you decrement the label value in OnEntry trigger and you open the output of the source. You find at the object triggers suitable picklist templates at the triggers.

There are some basic 3D model tutorials in the manual. PLEASE do them. And please come back, if you have questions about the tutorials. Your task is basic to be solved by triggers, labels, close and open input. And to get the references of source and sink you can use the sampler tool (eye dropper icon) in the templates. Or it is packing and unpacking in the objects combiners vs. separators. Do some research, test features, and learn.

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