Use 3D logic for operators in your model

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In FlexSim, operators are task executers that can travel, load and unload flow items,

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function as a shared resource for processing stations, and perform other simulation tasks.

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Operators can represent human workers, robotic arms, or any entity that performs these tasks.

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You can configure Operator properties and build Operator logic to suit the needs of your model,

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helping you to evaluate and optimize resources within your system.

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Begin with FlexSim open to your model.

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In the Library, under Task Executers, add an Operator to your model, then select that Operator.

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In Properties, you can change the visuals, animations, carrying capacity, load and unload times, and movement speed of the Operator.

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Once you finish setting these properties, you can begin building the logic for the Operator to complete tasks within your model.

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In this example, a simple process is set up in the model by adding and connecting a Source, a Queue, a Processor and then a second Queue.

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Now, you are ready to connect the Operator.

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Simply press and hold S as you click and drag between the Operator and the fixed resource where the Operator will be used—

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—here, the Processor.

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Alternatively, in the Toolbar, select > S Connect Center Ports,

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only this time, click and drag between the Operator and the Queue, to see how easily a mistake is corrected.

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To disconnect the Operator, select and then delete the connection,

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or press and hold W as you click and drag between the Operator and the incorrect resource.

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The connection between the Operator and Queue is removed.

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Once an Operator is connected to a fixed resource, make sure that the resource requires an Operator.

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Select the fixed resource to view its Properties, where you can select either Use Operators or Use Transport.

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In this case, both are selected because the Operator will be used to process the part

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and to transport the part from the Processor to the Queue.

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Reset and Run the model.

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When an item arrives at the Processor, the Operator processes the item and then moves it to the Queue.

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Another way to connect Operators to fixed resources is to use a Dispatcher.

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From the Library, under Task Executers, add a Dispatcher to the model.

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Connect the Dispatcher to the Processor using the S center port connection, and then disconnect the Operator from the Processor.

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A dispatcher allows you to control multiple operators or other task executers, and to enable more complex tasks.

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For example, you might use it to control multiple operators working on the same machine at once

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or to coordinate movement between multiple operators across multiple machines.

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Using an A Connection, connect the Dispatcher to the Operator.

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Make sure that the arrow moves from the Dispatcher to the Operator, which ensures that the connection will function properly.

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When the simulation is stepped forward, you can see that the dispatcher sends the Operator a task,

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and the Operator completes the task by processing items and moving them to the Queue.

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To better illustrate the capabilities of dispatchers,

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a more complex model is created by duplicating the basic process twice and then connecting the Dispatcher to each of the Processors.

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The Dispatcher is also connected to an added second Operator.

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As the model is stepped forward, the Dispatcher sends Operators to each Processor as items require processing.

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However, you can easily configure the Dispatcher with the specific logic required for your model.

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In this case, select Processor2 to view its Properties.

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Then, adjust the Use Operator(s) value to require 2 Operators to process the parts.

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Reset and Run the model.

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While Operators travel to the required Processors, you can see that for Processor 2,

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both Operators must be present to process the items before moving them to the Queue.

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This demonstrates how a dispatcher can help to facilitate the coordination of more complex Operator logic.

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There are additional options for configuring Operator logic in your model.

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With Processor1 selected, in Properties, expand the Operator drop-down to view the many options available for acquiring Operators.

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Alternatively, you can use the Sampler to select a specific Operator for a fixed resource.

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Now you are ready to begin using 3D logic for Operators in your model.