topic Re: How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators? in FlexSim Forum

How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators?

mario_alberto_sf — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 19:07:48 GMT

[ FlexSim 19.1.1 ]

I have a problem with the crane and the operators, I have 2 cranes, 3 operators, 3 combiners and 6 buffers, in which the operators need to transport the materials from the buffers to the combiners, having as restriction that each operator need to transport the materials with crane to any combiner available but I have not been able to solve that requirement, I would like help. (Name of combiners: Puntep1, Punteo2, Punteo3; Operators name: Op P1, Op P2, Op P3; All buffers; Cranes name: Grua0 and Grua1)

Re: How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators?

tanner_p — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:04:04 GMT

Hi @Mario Alberto SF,

I think I understand the process you are describing. I was wondering if you could clarify how the operators are to transport materials with the crane. The crane operates by itself and usually doesn't require an operator to function, but we can simulate something where the operator travels to a "crane controls" location and is "utilized" until the crane is finished moving. I've created an example. Let me know if this is the kind of behavior you'd like to see in your model.

crane-operator.fsm

Re: How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators?

mario_alberto_sf — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:55:24 GMT

Hi @Tanner Poulton

The operator moves along with the crane to the same place as the crane, takes the material and transports it to guide the crane to the combiner, but I have 3 operators, 3 combiners and only 2 cranes. What I am looking for is that they work simultaneously making use of the available operators, available combiners and available cranes. I don't know if I explain my self better.

Re: How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators?

mario_alberto_sf — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:48:01 GMT

Hi @Tanner Poulton

Re: How can I solve restriction of 2 cranes and 3 operators?

braydn_t — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:15:14 GMT

@Mario Alberto SF

If I am understanding you correctly, then a good option might be task lists. Here is a tutorial on them if you are not familiar: Task List Tutorial

You can use Process Flow or triggers to push all the work to be done to a list. When you push it, you can assign a priority. For example, if it requires a crane, you could assign it a higher priority because it is likely a bottleneck in your system. You could experiment with other priorities as well. When a Operator finishes a task, he looks at the Task List to see which work they should complete next.

This has some limitations, because you could have 2 operators working constantly on the cranes and ignoring the combiners. But if the work is more spread out, it could be useful. Let me know if this works for you or if you have other questions.