pull from list option in combiners

[sandeep_kumar_i]

[ FlexSim 19.1.0 ]

For my use case, I am in need of using pull from list for combiners as the combiner can receive input from multiple locations. I know FlexSIM doesn't have this option, it only allows to connect through ports. Unfortunately I don't want to add a queue before combiner as work around as it will add an inventory or buffer space before, which is not present in the actual production line. Please suggest a workaround for this where I can replicate this pull from list behaviour.

Best,

Sandeep

[jeff_nordgren]

@Sandeep Kumar I,

A little more information about how the combiner is used would be helpful. Information like: Is there some kind of order that it needs to pull from or is it always pulling the same stuff even though from different locations. If you could provide your model (such as it is) or a sample model that we could look at, that would help us better understand what your model needs might be.

Thanks.

[sandeep_kumar_i]

agv-d-f-with-pallets-r2.fsm

@Jeff Nordgren

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the combiner is pulling the available pallet from different locations. I am using AGV to deliver parts from one location to another. I have attached my model. Please take a look.

The combiners at E1.1, E1.2....E2, I have added queues before combiners to pull an empty pallet from anywhere, delivered by AGV. But I want to eliminate the queue technically to represent my process.

Also I tried making the queue max content 0, but the model doesn't run.

Best,

Sandeep

[zac_h_adsk · Accepted solution]

@Sandeep Kumar I

Here is a simple model that uses a Queue to simulate/represent a Combiner. It is using process flow. If this is something that you are looking for you could even make the queue to appear to look like a combiner and then using visual change in Process Flow to make the items appear on top of the "combiner".

I will try to implement this in your model now. So let me know if this is something that you are looking for.

queue-as-combiner.fsm

[zac_h_adsk]

@Sandeep Kumar I

Here is a model with the implemented queue's in place of a combiner.

agv-d-f-with-pallets-r2-z1.fsm

[sandeep_kumar_i]

@Zac H Thanks very much for explaining the concept and working this out through process flow. This solves my concern as this maintains the right inventory at my stations.

I am curious what option in process flow allows me to define separators? Just some tips would help.

[zac_h_adsk]

Just as there is not really an option in process flow to define combiners, there isn't an option to define separators. You would have to create something similar to the process flow that I created for you but reversed to have things removed from a pallet using move object, rather than having things being added to a pallet like the combiner process flow.

[sandeep_kumar_i]

@Zac H Thank you for your explanation again. I will try that.