Want to learn how to set a Work Entry Point to only function for a set duration of the day rather than a whole 24hr period? Then check out this quick alternative to time based distribution.

The above simulation functions as follows:

As you can see the Work Entry Point (WEP) has two outputs. The routing-out options on the WEP are set to prioritize pushing work items to the Work Center (WC) called “Dmy Feeder”. This particular Work Center is what we call a dummy Work Centre; it has a process time of zero so does not affect the process times, its used only to drive some logic in the simulation.

The WC “Dmy Feeder” has a requirement for the shown resource called “Input Timekeeper”. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, let me explain; it basically means that the WC cannot function unless that resource is available (i.e. on-shift).

The resource “Input

Continue reading Friday’s Tip- Learn how to set a Work Entry Point to function for a set duration of the day

This great Friday Tip will show you how you can apply your own input data, it’s really useful for inputting data without having to use an excel spreadsheet. Plus, it’s great for customizing your own schedules. Take a look to find out more!

We hope you find this tip useful.

Yes, we’ve said it before but we’ll say it again; the SIMUL8 support team are dedicated to continuously improving our software. Need proof? Well even between new releases, we regularly offer free service packs for the latest version of our software. Now, you may be wondering, what’s a service pack?

Service packs include all kinds of exciting new features. For example, the latest service pack lets you open your run time results charts straight from the ribbon rather than the old way of having to go through the results dialog. Let us know if there are any other features you’d like to see directly on the ribbon for easy access and we’ll add it to a future service pack for you.

Don’t miss out on these new features and subscribe to our notification service and receive an update that a new service pack is released.

To check which build you are on now, open SIMUL8

Continue reading Friday’s Tip – What’s a SIMUL8 service pack?

Did you know that when creating a label you can write a ‘Memo’ that will link to that label and display a text description when that label is hovered over in a contents list? This is really handy for remembering what different label value represents or when handing a simulation over to colleagues.

Check out this step by step guide on how to do it!

1. .Go to ‘Actions’ to create your ‘Label

2. Enter your label name

3. Click ‘Memo’ and type a description of your label

4. Once you’ve created your simulation, and you want to check the contents of your storage bin, and what work items are in it click on ‘Contents’ on the advanced tab of your storage bin.

5. When you view the contents of your storage bin, you can hover over item of the storage bin to view your memo.

Continue reading Friday’s Tip-Creating memos for labels

The paddle helps you to quickly build a simulation.

To access the paddle simply drag a Work Entry Point, Storage Bin or Work Center onto the screen. Providing the paddle is enabled you will notice four blue triangles around the item you placed on screen. Clicking on an arrow will open the paddle in that direction, inside the paddle icons.

In order to turn your paddle on, click FILE, then PREFERENCES, OPTIONS and from there you will see a table with paddle options, simple check the ON box to turn it on.

Once you’ve done that, clicking an icon will add a new item (Work Entry Point, Storage Bin (queue) or Work Center – depending on the icon you click) in the direction you have selected. By default items will be linked together and the paddle will jump to the newly added item. The image below illustrates this flow.

Continue reading Friday’s Tip-Don’t get stuck without a paddle