Objects

This topic gives an overview of all modeling objects, both flow and logic objects, in FACTS-Analyzer. Detailed descriptions of how the objects work and what input they need is reached by the links in the overview in the next section.

Beside these flow and logic objects there is an object for adding comments to a model. It is called Note.

Error detection: A red marking of an object on the modeling canvas indicates that something is missing, e.g. a setting or a connection. An indication of what's missing is given by a help text displayed when the mouse pointer is held over a red marked object as well as in the log panel.


Flow Object Overview

Object

Name

Short description

Variant

Variants are the entities that move in the production flows.

Source

For controlling how materials enter the model.

Sink

For controlling how materials exit the model.

Operation

Operation for standard processing of material.

Parallel Operation

Object for easy modeling of parallel Operations.

Buffer

Place that holds one or more parts for a minimum time, the sequence of the parts is preserved.

Store

Same as buffer, but sequence of parts is allowed to change.

Conveyor

Used for transporting parts a certain distance with a defined speed.

Facade

The facade object is used for unloading, storing and ordering of parts.

Assembly

Operation in which two or more parts are joined together. According to an assembly description.

Disassembly

Operation in which two or more parts are split.

Component

Object that allows the modeling of custom components that could be used in one or more locations in the production flow.


Logic Object Overview

Object

Name

Short description

Model Variable

Used in formulas for changing settings of several objects at once. Model variables are handled in the variable panel.

Timetable

For modeling shifts, i.e. for controlling when production is allowed in parts of or the entire production flow.

MaxWIP

Mechanism that limits the total amount of work in process (WIP) in a part of or the entire production flow.

CriticalWIP

Mechanism that limits the total amount of work in process (WIP) in a part of or the entire production flow, based on the inventory level of a Buffer.

Kanban

Production control logic that implement a pull behavior for the processing of variants on Operations.

Demand

For modeling demand. The demand could be applied/satisfied at one or more locations in a flow.

Batch

For grouping variants together at selected operations in the production flow; limits the number of setups required. Sizes and sequence of batches could be based on safety stock levels of desired buffers and stores in the model.

Selection

Selection provides an easy way to model design alternatives in which different production settings could be compared and evaluated against each other.

Takt

The Takt logic is used to synchronize a serial line of operations.

Order

The order logic is used to transfer orders from one object to another object in the flow.

Failure Zone

The failure zone is used to group objects that should share disturbance behavior.

Resource

A resource logic is used to provide resources with specific skills that can be put as requirements for tasks like processing, setup and repair, i.e. unless resources with required skills are available these tasks can't be performed.