Hello everyone, I have a question related to batch control and interaction between conveyors and a separator. I’ve attached the model.
Model logic
Two batches of items (each initially represented as a single object) are routed onto the same conveyor line.
The batches arrive sequentially at a Separator that processes one batch at a time.
The desired behavior is:
The first batch enters the Separator and is processed.
While the Separator is busy, the second batch must wait on the conveyor section immediately upstream (i.e. it should stop on the conveyor).
As soon as the Separator finishes processing the first batch and becomes available, the second batch should automatically resume its movement, reach the Separator, and be processed.
Current implementation
I am able to stop the second batch correctly:
On the Decision Point of the upstream conveyor, I use Stop Item on Arrival.
I check the state of the Separator (busy/blocked) and stop the batch if the Separator is occupied.
Problem
I am not able to restart the batch movement once the Separator becomes free.
In other words, the batch correctly stops when the Separator is busy, but it does not resume automatically when the Separator is released.
Question
What is the correct or recommended way to hold a batch on a conveyor while a downstream Separator is busy, and automatically release it when the Separator becomes available?
Any guidance or examples would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I would highly recommend learning and using process flow for a situation like this. The example attached uses process flow to achieve what you are looking for.
Also see this forum example, Example, for another process flow set-up.
