Better way to create a "Combine" function in process flow

[jingyong_p]

[ FlexSim 20.2.1 ]

New to process flow. I was trying to create a "Combine" function in process flow. The model works, but I would like to learn a better/efficient way to do this.

Material 1 and 2 will be created at their own material rack. Operator will bring 1 material from each rack to process and eventually create a brand new item and move to Final Product Queue. Material 1 is 500 meters, material 2 is 2000 meters. After each process cycle, the left over material 2 will be used for next process cycle, till it is gone.

Here is my method:

1. in Material Box: Use "source" to generate tokens and create 3D objects at material racks.

2. Use Task Sequences to control operator to bring material 1 and 2 to Processor. Use "Delay" to process material 1/2 together.

3. At tend of the delay,I use "Destroy Object" to remove material 1.

4. At "Processor", use "Triggers on Exit" to change material 2's shape to visually "Create" a new object.

There is another issue: When the rack 2 is full, model stops with error messages. How can I suspend model to generate more tokens/3D objects when rack is full?

Thank you in advance.

combiner-in-process-flow.fsm

[benjamin_w2 · Accepted solution]

@jingyong.p, I think what you did is a perfectly valid way of combining functions using process flow. The beauty of process flow is that it can be more flexible to accommodate a wide range of processes.

It really depends on your application, but the way you have built it is pretty efficient.

[jingyong_p]

@benjamin.w2 @logan.gold

Thank you. This afternoon, I had a brief conversation with Logan regarding this model. I still have difficulty time to use partial of the token. Material 1 is 500 meters, material 2 is 2000 meters. After each process cycle, the left over material 2 will be used for next process cycle, till it is gone. Can you please explain how to do this? There is another issue: When the rack 2 is full, model stops with error messages. How can I suspend model to generate more tokens/3D objects when rack is full?

[benjamin_w2]

Hi @jingyong.p,

These sound like new questions. Go ahead and make new posts for them and we will get them answered as soon as we can. We try to have one post per question so our forum stays nice, tidy, and searchable.