topic Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch? in FlexSim Forum

Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

RUCU17 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:30:51 GMT

[ FlexSim 23.1.0 ]

In the model uploaded here I want to work with the transfer batch indicated in the Global Table. I'm ussing the trigger "Close and Open Ports" but as the second processor is slower than the processor1&2, the queue that goes before this processor doesn't do the logic correctly.

The firsts queues work correctly with the transfer batch. Otherwise, the queue that goes before the last processor, as this one is much slower than the other processors, the items accumulate on the queue and the transfer batch is exceeded. Running the model shows that at one point the "QueueToprocessor3" exceeded the transfer batch.

The goal is to transport from the queues only when these reach the content of the transfer batch. Until the queues reach the content of the transfer batch, the items they contain cannot be transported. The responsibles for the transport are 2 transporters.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

kavika_faleumu — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:39:37 GMT

Hey @RUCU17, in the "Queue" section of the quick properties of a Queue, you can reduce the max content of the queue to not exceed the batch size.

You can also click the check box next to "Perform Batching" to do what you want automatically without the triggers you setup.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

RUCU17 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:47:57 GMT

Thank you for your response. The problem is that I have to get that without changing the queue max content. I need to obtain the corresponding trigger's logic in order to transport the items by a transfer batch.

An example: until the queue doesn't reach the transfer batch, for example 20 items, any item can go out the queue. When content is 20, then the transporter can take the 20 items and move them to the next station.

Thank you for the help.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

kavika_faleumu — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:55:20 GMT

@RUCU17, I don't think I understand. Are you saying that you don't want QueueToprocess3 to exceed 20 items?

Do you want to close the input port so nothing can be passed in until the queue size is 0?

What you say here is confusing:

Which queues? All of the queues? Please be more specific if you're asking for specific behavior, otherwise we're just guessing.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

RUCU17 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:05:51 GMT

For example, look this file uploaded on this comment. batch.fsm

What I want is to have a transfer batch of 20 items. This means, in the queues where "use transport" is checked, the number of items transported to the next step must be 20. I want to get this without changing the queues max content or the capacity of the transporter.

Near the second 1065, instead of waiting for the Q3 to have 20 items, the carrier takes them one at a time. I can't get the transport of items between queues that need transport to be 20 at a time.

I hope you have understand me. Thank you.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

kavika_faleumu — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:23:20 GMT

@RUCU17, that explanation and example model help a lot, thank you.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Get rid of your Entry/Exit trigger logic and just use the built-in batching logic on Queues.

It's so simple to just have it know how to batch.

2. That being said, it will continue to send items until the batch is complete, even if it's one at a time. If you have a different constraint (i.e. all 20 must go on at once), then I suggest using a Process Flow.

Here's an example one that I made that works. Simply wait for 20 boxes to arrive in Q1 and then wait for there to be space to put them in Q2. Once those requirements are met, you can acquire the Transporter, have it pick up 20 boxes from Q1, unload them at Q2, and then release the Transporter to do whatever else it needs to.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

RUCU17 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:20:06 GMT

Thank you so much for your explanation! According to the first solution, the problem that I have is that the transfer batch must to be readen from a Global Table. If I use the perform batching I can't read from nowhere a Global Table.

About the second solution, this seems to be much complete than the first one because of the issue that I have told you before (transfer batch must be readen from a Global Table). I would be very grateful if you could send me the model because I don't have the necesseary skills to understand the process flow feature of FlexSim. I have no knowledge with this FlexSim function.

In conclusion, the quantity of the transfer batch must be readen from a global table. Instead of "20" this must be a cell of a global table. Thank you again for help me!

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

kavika_faleumu — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:25:23 GMT

Hi @RUCU17,

It looks like this question may be part of a homework assignment or academic project. The professors who assign simulation modeling exercises using FlexSim expect that the academic integrity of their assignments will be maintained. In addition, we are supportive of Honor Codes or Pledges that regulate the behavior surrounding academic assignments.

I recommend reading our best practices page on the subject, which includes some resources that you should find helpful as you use FlexSim for academic purposes. I also highly recommend Dr. Allen Greenwood's FlexSim Primer, which was written specifically for students and professors.

Re: Which logic to use to work with a transfer batch?

Jeanette_Fullmer — Fri, 03 May 2024 15:50:49 GMT

Hi @RUCU17, was Kavika F's answer helpful? If so, please click the "Accept" button at the bottom of their answer. Or if you still have questions, add a comment and we'll continue the conversation.

If we haven't heard back from you within 3 business days we'll auto-accept an answer, but you can always comment back to reopen your question.