How can I set setup independently of item arrival ?

[anne_cassandre_m]

How can I set setup independently of item arrival, but as soon as the operator is available ?

Indeed the processor make the setup every 22 items, so I use "Different Time for Nth Item" but the processor make 21 process, then the setup, then the 22th process and start again. I would like to as soon as the operator is available, he make the setup and then when item arrival the items processing.

Thanks for your advice.

[pierre_gauly]

Hi,

I'm not sure to exactly understand what you want. Your operator have to be called by the processor every 22 items ? But your processor can continue to process enven if the operator is not available directly when he is called ?

[anne_cassandre_m]

Hi,

For example at t=0, even if items aren't available for processing, if the operator is free, he have to be called to set the setup and if the setup is done and items are available the operator have to be called to processing. It start again every 22 items (every 22 items the processor need setup).

By using in Process Time "Different Time for Nth Item", the setup is done just before the 22th item. Whereas I would like operator to be called for setup before first item processing, then before 23th item processing, then before 45th item processing, etc.

I hope my question is clear. Thanks

[pierre_gauly · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You should use a Process Flow to do what you want. I let you watch my example and ask me questions if you need.

The idea is to create a token when an item enter in the processor, and to wait to have 22 tokens (with the Batch activity) to create a Setup Task Sequence for your operator (Create TS + Travel + Setup).

I also add the Stop and Resume conveyor activities to be sure your processor will be "blocked" until the Setup is not finished.

With this strategy, you still can use your operator "normally". For example, you can check the Use Operator for Process option in your processor if you need it.

[anne_cassandre_m]

Thanks Pierre, you solve my problem!