topic Re: Change object color upon changeover? in FlexSim Forum

Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:23:08 GMT

[ FlexSim 23.1.1 ]

I referenced a response by @Parker S on changeovers and am wondering if there is a way to change the color of objects being created by the source after a number of increments? Additionally, I would like to change the item label ID after each accumulation of 5.

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

parker_s — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:18:59 GMT

Hi @Griffin Burwell

You could set a label on the source after each changeover and use that label to set color on the items:

You could do something similar for changing item labels:

If you need additional assistance, it would be best to upload your model if possible.

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:18:18 GMT

Hi Parker, it is actually one I downloaded from a previous response you had on the support forum. It is attached below. Since it is a hybrid setup between process flow and the 3D model, I am trying to figure out how the color and label or items being created by the source could change only after each process flow changeover.

support-changeovercounter.fsm

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

parker_s — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:07:49 GMT

I see now. I didn't recognize my own model!

If you are doing this like as I described in my answer above, you'll first need an Assign Labels activity somewhere in the changeover logic. You can set labels on 3d objects by clicking the sampler icon and then the object.

In this example, I'll use just one label "TypeColorValue" on the Source to set type and color on the items.

You could use two different labels for type and color and pull values from a global table if you need specific values rather than just incrementing the label by 1. If you would like to see an example of that, just let me know and I'll attach another model showing that.

support-changeovercounter_TypeColorChange.fsm

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:46:34 GMT

Thank you for the reply! The source now changes color, but does so after 11 units rather than 5.Maybe an issue with the incrementor. Let me know if you figure out the issue!

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

parker_s — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:16:23 GMT

This is because the changeover logic happens after every 5 items that are processed by the processor, but the source is creating items faster than the processor can handle the items and the changeover.

There are a number of ways to simulate changeover, the way you choose is dependent on what you are specifically trying to model. There is a much simpler way to do changeover that doesn't require process flow and it may fit your application better.

Set up your source with an arrival schedule of your items and make sure to include the Type label change:

In the processor properties select "If Item Label Value Changes" for the setup:

Let me know if this helps.

support-changeoversimple.fsm

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:26:31 GMT

That answers my question. Thank you for walking me through it!

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:56:57 GMT

Hi @Parker S, I just thought of something that I'd like to achieve with the changeover. For an assembly line, this schedule source arrival strategy is perfect, but how could I modify this for a back-shop process that needs a changeover delay time?

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

parker_s — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:50:44 GMT

@Griffin Burwell

I'm not sure what you mean. It may be best to create a new question with all the details and preferably a model that you are working on. I'd like to help, but it can be difficult without knowing the specific application.

Re: Change object color upon changeover?

griffin_burw — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:07:13 GMT

Not a problem. I ended up coming up with an effective way to achieve what I wanted. Thank you for your help!