topic Automated packaging line (need help) in FlexSim Forum

Automated packaging line (need help)

jeffin_g — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 03:16:18 GMT

[ FlexSim 18.1.1 ]

I am a graduate student working on a project on an automated packaging line. I am very new to flexsim and have been trying to do the simulation on my own but i am not able to do it.

I have made an outline of the process with all the necessary items. Also made a sorting line to sort items based on type(color).

The exact things i need to do are:

1. generate items of different size and shape from the source.

2. Create a random batch of items with an order id and sort batches according to order id along the conveyor and send to a location near a robot.

3. The robot will pick items from each order ID and pack into a box that comes from a box producing source.

4. Should have 4 sizes of boxes to fit different order ID. (no. of items in an order id can vary)

5. The most appropriate box should be called for packaging the items by the robot.

Can anyone please help me with this? I have been trying my best to do it for the last one month, but haven't made much progress. I tried using process flow too, but as i am really new to the software, i am finding it really hard.

@Paul T2 , @Matthew Gillespie , @Jeff Nordgren could you help me on this ?Please help me someone

Re: Automated packaging line (need help)

joerg_vogel_HsH — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 08:00:15 GMT

Instead a full integrated model can you attach the 5 models for the 5 different tasks? If you don't have a suitable model, please add a picture, a flow chart or a drawing, how the task look like?

Source and OnCreate trigger: set item type and color. Add a second template that change the size randomly discrete in the same trigger or OnExit.
Queue random batch size. Instead of a constant number insert a discreet statistical function. You know one statistical function from 1.
combiner OnEntry trigger: change the components list. Each possible combination gets a row in a global table. The order-ID or numerical part of a string is responsible for recipe instead of the item type.
This have already been done in a combination of the points 1. and 2. It is condition of the batching. Instead of a total random dimension setting you define for example 9 dimension sets and store the values in a global table. When you set the item dimensions you set randomly a label value at the item, which defines the table row of the dimensions table. While you batch the items you choose 4 of the 9 different dimensions (e.g. by the label at the item) at the queue. The items you don't choose stay in the full integrated model on the conveyor or go to a sink.
The items maximum size defines the dimensions of the packaging tote. This tote is the item that comes through the port number 1 into the combiner. You can use n-standard types of totes matching the dimensions you set at the source of 1.

Please do always only one small step in a model in the progress of the task. Then you store that model at a different name. You can compare different approaches later. Then try to integrate the different task models into the final model step by step. Instead of a table you can use a list, too. If you use ProcessFlow you use an event driven activity instead of a trigger. Please come back here if you have special questions like how to get 4 numbers randomly out of an interval of 9.

Re: Automated packaging line (need help)

jeffin_g — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:11:12 GMT

@Jörg Vogel

Thank you for your reply.

I will try doing it the way you have told. Will get back to you soon. 🙂

Re: Automated packaging line (need help)

jeffin_g — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 20:18:03 GMT

Hi @Jörg Vogel,

I tried doing and managed to do something similar to 1 and 2 as you have mentioned. But i am stuck after that. I am attaching the model . kindly check and let me know. I do not know how to assign global tables and lists.

And the queue i made an array of objects for the batching. i wasnt able to enter a statistical distribution like u suggested.

batch-from-queue2.fsm

Re: Automated packaging line (need help)

joerg_vogel_HsH — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 04:05:10 GMT

i set the statitical distribution in the OnEntry trigger - Update Batch Size.

Lists and Global Tables are items of the Toolbox. You add them there.

Please look into the manual.

Manual > Reference > Tools
Manual > Reference > Coding in FlexSim > FlexScript Class Reference
Manual > Reference >Developer and Advanced User Reference > SQL Queries

Please ask new Questions related to this here, instead of creating a long thread of comments. Naturaly you can set a link to this question to inform users.