How to change state of Operator during waiting for Processor to finish?

[marc_k]

[ FlexSim 19.1.1 ]

I have review a few answered questions as to how to have a operator wait till the processor finishes before continuing. But. If you track their state the time sitting while the processor works is called "idle" on the operator. In my case the operator is running the processor so the operator is "filling", not idle. I see the Task Executor Sequence. How can have the "Delay Time" field be "wait until the processor is finished"? That way I can assign a state of "filling" to the operator.

[benjamin_w2 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mark K,

This can be solved if you set the processor to use the Operator in the 3D model. For example, take a look at this simple model.

Connect the operator using a center-port (S) connection. Double click the processor and check the box that says "Use Operator(s) for Process".

When the operator is working at the processor, his state will be "utilize".

If you want the state to read "Filling" on the state charts, simply open the chart properties, and change the Display Name next to utilize - 22 to "Filling".

I hope this helps!

statecharts.png

[marc_k]

How about if your staff pool is a group? I have a pool of 8 operators that are randomly used throughout the many processes.

[marc_k]

Benjamin,

I am close with this model. I am stuck where the token gets stuck after the wait for event, after the custom task, moves the token to the next phase (Travel). The operator just sits there. If I can get him to travel and show that on the chart, I will have exactly what I am trying to do. custom-task.fsm

Always learning... Marc

[benjamin_w2]

Hi @Marc K,

It looks like the "Custom Task" activity is throwing off the "Travel" activity. Did you need to use that activity? In the attached model, I used a "Custom Code" activity to set Operator2's state while he is at the processor.

Let me know if this works.

state-change.fsm

[marc_k]

Ben,

I need the operator (operator2 token) that goes to the processor to be in a utilized state until he leaves the processor (the wait function drives that). Right now the model does not switch him to utilized. I used the Custom to switch him. It worked but he would not travel after the wait function was met.

[marc_k]

I too tried the custom code, but it still doesn't work. You see that the custom code does not fault the process, but the graph does not indicate any UTILIZE time for operator 2.

[marc_k]

I found the issue with the custom code change state. I happen to see another answer that stated you need to put a delay in front of the custom code with a small delay to allow the previous block to complete its state. I now, with the custom code, see the operator at the processor in a Utilized state.

[marc_k]

See attached Model for example of fix.custom-task.fsm