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Version: 12.00.00 (CPR9)
Modified: October 8, 2007 10:39 am
Arena Packaging is a simulation system developed by Rockwell Automation for the
performance analysis of high-speed, high-volume manufacturing systems.
The initial design of the Packaging template was developed by Ouroumoff Diffusion (a
consulting firm headquartered in Lyon, France) during a consulting engagement with
Pechiney CRV to analyze canning lines. The core algorithms of the product involved vital
input from the engineering staff at Pechiney. The final design of the Packaging template
then involved significant input by staff at Rockwell Automation as well as Michigan State
University’s School of Packaging.
Intended audience
The Arena Packaging template is designed for manufacturing or business process consultants and analysts and industrial or systems engineers. It is typically deployed as an enterprise business analysis and productivity tool.
We assume that you are familiar with the basic concepts and terms used in these types of
systems. You are interested in improving business or manufacturing productivity and are
responsible for evaluating and predicting the impact of proposed strategic and tactical
changes to help improve performance. A familiarity with computers and the Microsoft
Windows
in simulation is also helpful.
®
operating system is assumed. A familiarity with the concepts and terms used
1 • Welcome
®
Where can I go for help?
Our commitment to your success starts with the suite of learning aids and assistance we
provide for Arena. Whether you’re new to simulation or a seasoned veteran putting a new
tool to use, you’ll quickly feel at home with Arena Packaging.
Reference the user’s guides
The documentation set includes this manual, Arena Packaging Template User’s Guide,
which cover the product basics as well as the Arena User’s Guide, which covers the
standard product modules and offers an easy, “click-by-click” tutorial, and the Variables Guide, a separate reference booklet providing complete descriptions of Arena variables
found in the Arena product templates.
1
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
D
OCUMENT CONVENTIONS
Throughout the guides, a number of style conventions are used to help identify material.
New terms and concepts may be emphasized by use of italics or bold; file menu paths are
in bold with a (>) separating the entries (e.g., go to Help > Arena Help); text you are
asked to type is shown in Courier Bold (e.g., in this field, type Work Week), and dialog
box and window button names are shown in bold (e.g., click OK).
Explore our examples
Arena is accompanied by a number of sample models that illustrate many of the
commonly used approaches for capturing the essence of manufacturing processes.
Examples are provided for both job shop and flow shop environments. For a description
of and list of Arena’s examples, go to Help > Arena Help. On the Contents tab, choose
Model Building Basics, and then select Viewing Arena Example Models.
Get help
Online help is always at your fingertips! Arena incorporates the latest in help features,
including What’s This? help that displays a brief description of fields in dialog boxes,
context-sensitive help on menu and toolbar buttons, and a help button on each of Arena’s
modules. Just refer to the Arena help table of contents and index for a list of all help
topics.
Use the HSMARTs library
As you craft models of your own manufacturing processes, use our HSMARTs library to
explore how to best use Arena. HSMARTs are a collection of small, self-contained models
that illustrate different aspects of modeling in Arena Packaging. We recommend you go
through these small files to see how concepts are implemented in actual models. For a list
of categories and their related HSMARTS, go to Help > Arena Help. On the Contents
tab, choose Template Help > Packaging > Arena Packaging Template > Learning Arena Packaging Template with the HSMART Files.
Access the Arena Symbol Factory
Arena animations can be enhanced using Arena Symbol Factory’s extensive library of
over 4,000 symbols. These symbols can be used for entity, resource, transporter or global
pictures; or as graphic symbols within a model window. You can copy these symbols
directly to the Arena model window, add them to your own libraries (.plb files), or add
them to any of the Arena picture library files.
2
1 • WELCOMETOTHE ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE
Get phone support
Rockwell Automation’s support team of outstanding professionals provides top-notch
technical support—monitoring and tracking your experience with our simulation products
to pave the road to your success in understanding and improving your performance.
Rockwell Automation provides full support for the entire Arena family of products.
Questions concerning installation, how modules work, the use of the model editor, and the
use of the software are handled by technical support.
A
RENA TECHNICAL SUPPORT INCLUDES
(for users on active maintenance) a technical support hotline and e-mail address
staffed by full-time, experienced professionals
help with installation problems or questions related to the software’s requirements
troubleshooting
limited support regarding the interaction of Arena with other programs
support of the Arena Object Model, which is used in Microsoft Visual Basic for
Applications.
If you call the support line (1.440.646.3434), you should be at your computer and be
prepared to give the following information:
:
• • • • •
1 • Welcome
the product serial number
the product version number
the operating system you are using
the exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen
a description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred
a description of how you tried to solve the problem.
Get Web support
In addition to phone support, the Rockwell Automation Customer Support Center offers
extensive online knowledgebases of tech notes and frequently asked questions for support
of non-urgent issues. These databases are updated daily by our support specialists.
To receive regular e-mail messages with links to the latest tech notes, software updates,
and firmware updates for the products that are of interest to you or to submit an online
support request, go to support.rockwellautomation.com/supportrequests
And be sure to check the Arena User Zone section of our Web site at www.ArenaSimulation.com. The User Zone links to a peer-to-peer forum on Arena topics and has a link to a
download page where you can check for possible software updates (patches). If you can’t
find the answer you need, contact your local representative or Arena technical support.
.
3
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Get training
Do you need training? Rockwell Automation offers a standard training course comprised
of lecture and hands-on workshops designed to introduce you to the fundamental concepts
of modeling with Arena.
We also offer customized training courses designed to meet your specific needs. These
courses can be held in our offices or yours, and we can accommodate one person or
twenty. You design the course that’s right for you! Simply contact our consulting services
group to discuss how we can help you achieve success in your simulation efforts.
Get consulting services
Rockwell Automation provides expert consulting and turnkey implementation of the
entire Arena product suite. Please call our offices for more information or e-mail ArenaInfo@ra.rockwell.com.
Contact us
We strive to help all of our customers become successful in their manufacturing improvement efforts. Toward this objective, we invite you to contact your local representative or
Rockwell Automation at any time that we may be of service to you.
Support E-mail: Arena-Support@ra.rockwell.com
Corporate E-mail: Arena-Info@ra.rockwell.com
Support Phone: 1.440.646.3434
URL: www.ArenaSimulation.com
URL: www.rockwellautomation.com
4
2
General Concepts
Template overview
Arena Packaging is one of a family of application solution templates (ASTs) built on the
Arena simulation system. It is designed specifically for performing accurate and efficient
simulations of high-speed, high-volume manufacturing systems, where the processing rates
take place at hundreds, even thousands, of entities per minute. The Packaging template
enables users to build and run simulation models of high-speed processing lines quickly
and easily, and to analyze the results that these models produce.
To use the Arena Packaging template, you attach the Packaging panel to the Arena
development environment. The Packaging panel contains a collection of objects or
modules. Each module defines the logic, data, animation, and/or statistics collection for a
particular element in a model (e.g., machines, conveyors, operators).
The Packaging panel contains the following modules:
A Machine module for modeling the physical components of a line where the actual
processing or conversion of units takes place.
A Conveyor module for modeling the accumulating conveyors between machines
where units are transferred and buffered.
Machine Link and Conveyor Link modules for linking machines and conveyors
directly together.
Merge, Split, and Switch modules for modeling transfer points between conveyors
where product flow is split or combined (i.e., flow controls).
2 • General Concepts
Operator, Operator Group, and Operator Schedule modules for modeling the
availability and organization of labor in the system.
Palletizer and Storage modules for modeling the physical components of a line where
units are stored on or removed from pallets.
Val ve and Tank modules for modeling fluid constraints of filling operations.
Product and Production Plans modules for defining multiple products processed in a
system and their requirements.
An Actions module for performing actions on a high-speed system (e.g., changing run
speeds of machines, adjusting valves, adding pallets to a storage) using discrete
entities and logic.
A Label module for labeling a particular portion of the model logic, whereby discrete
entities may be sent easily to the label from other locations in the model.
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ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
A Simulate module for advanced model options (e.g., units of measure, statistic
collection switches).
Template framework and modeling methodology
Simulation studies are initiated because a decision maker or group of decision makers face
a problem and need a solution. You should begin a simulation project by first collecting
enough information and data to provide an adequate understanding of both the problem
and the system to be studied. Once that step is complete, you are then ready to formulate
models.
This section introduces a five-step modeling methodology for developing those simulation models in Arena Packaging. The steps of the methodology are illustrated in the
following diagram.
Place & Connect
Equipment
Define Equipment
Behavior
Run
the
Model
View Automatic
Statistics
Experiment with
Complex Strategies
Step 1 • Place and connect equipment
First, flowchart on paper the step-by-step sequence of your line as raw goods are converted
into finished product. For example, you might construct flowcharts of the machines,
conveyors, palletizers, merges, splits, etc., in your line similar to the flowchart below.
(De)Palletizer
Processing Step
Conveyor
Tank
Inspection
6
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
Once you have flowcharted your process, duplicate that flowchart in Arena by graphically
placing and connecting appropriate modules from the Packaging panel into an Arena
model window. To select a module, you simply drag and drop an icon in the panel onto the
workspace region where you want the module to be placed.
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
HSMARTs are a collection of small models that illustrate modeling techniques. To learn
combinations of Packaging modules that are appropriate for specific situations, it is useful
to refer to the HSMART examples for Step 1.
Step 1 • Place and Connect Equipment
Processing
HSMART01: Basic Processing Operation
HSMART02: Basic Processing Operation Using a Non-accumulating
Conveyor
HSMART03: Assembly Operation
HSMART04: Packing Operation
HSMART05: Filling Operation
HSMART06: Inspection Operation
HSMART07: Linking Two Machines
HSMART08: Modeling a Supply Constraint for an Operation
HSMART09: Modeling a Machine as Two or More Separate Components
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ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Conveyors and Flow Control
HSMART10: Accumulating Conveyors
HSMART11: Linking Two Accumulating Conveyors
HSMART12: Splitting Conveyor Flow by Count
HSMART13: Merging Conveyor Flow
HSMART14: Modeling a Surge Area or Table
HSMART15: Modeling a Secondary Line
HSMART16: Modeling Rework
Tanks and Valves
HSMART17: Simple Tank and Valve
HSMART18: Tank Farm
Fronts (Sources) and Ends (Sinks) of Lines
HSMART19: Using Palletizers to End a Line
HSMART20: Using Depalletizers to Begin a Line
HSMART21: Storage Example Using Palletizer/Depalletizer
Step 2 • Define equipment behavior
The next step is to specify the basic run parameters (e.g., run speeds), characteristics (e.g.,
reliability, loss), and dimensions (e.g., length, width, capacity) for each individual element
in the line. For example, you might have collected and organized data about the equipment in your line as follows.
Processing Elements:
Element Name
Nom. Run Speed
(units/min)Unit Loss
Reliability
for a Week
Cleaner500.01%.97
Filler650.01%.99
Inspector5001.0%.98
Depalletizer600.01%.99
8
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
Conveyor Elements:
Conveyor
Name
Nom.
Ve lo ci t y
(ft/min)
Length
(ft)
Width
(ft)
Unit
Density
(units/ft
Unit
2
)
Loss
Reliability
for a
Week
Conveyor 1100200310.01%.995
Conveyor 290100210.01%.995
Conveyor 390100210.01%.995
Conveyor 4100150210.01%.995
Conveyor 59550310.01%.995
In Arena Packaging, you define equipment parameters such as those listed above by
double-clicking on modules and filling in the descriptive information in the module
dialogs. For example, the main dialog box of the Conveyor module is shown below.
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
1. Double-click on a
module.
2. Fill in the basic
run parameters.
3. Define loss and
reliability, if
possible.
4. Define basic
animation and/or
desired statistics
for module.
9
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
All module dialogs are self-contained and designed with terminology for high-volume
applications. The graphical “point-and-click” interface allows you to develop models of
sophisticated systems without writing any code. You just answer the questions in the
dialog boxes.
It is also easy to define basic animation and statistics for a module. Arena Packaging
allows you to generate animation and statistics (e.g., production summary, costing, or
state statistics) for modules automatically by clicking on the Animation and Statistics
check boxes. Animation is placed upon exiting the dialog box. It can then be enhanced by
using symbols from Arena’s picture libraries, Arena Symbol Factory, or from other
graphics files such as Clip Art or AutoCAD
To learn more about defining basic behavior for the Arena Packaging template’s modules,
refer to the module descriptions in Chapter 3 or the HSMART examples listed below.
Step 2 • Define Equipment Behavior
HSMART22: Defining Event-Based Loss
HSMART23: Defining Production-Based Loss
HSMART24: Modeling Reliability Using Expected Uptime
HSMART25: Modeling Reliability Using Reliability
HSMART26: Modeling Reliability Using Multiple Failure Streams
Step 3 • Run the model
At this stage, while you’re probably not ready to reach significant conclusions yet with
your model, you do have a complete tool that you can now build on as your project
progresses. It is a good idea to run this first model to verify that your basic logic is
working correctly. Animation is a great tool for verifying model logic. You can also gain
valuable insight on further detail to add and future strategies with which to experiment.
®
.
10
In Arena Packaging, to run a model, you must first place a Simulate module. This module
defines which categories of Packaging module statistics will be collected as well as additional information such as units of measure. Before starting a simulation run, you will want
to specify the simulation project parameters, such as the number of replications, the run
length, and base time units. This is done by choosing the
File
Arena’s
parameters. Then use the
menu. This opens the Run Setup dialog box. Enter the replication and project
Go
command (
Run
menu) to start the simulation run.
Run > Setup
menu option from
3. Watch Arena Packaging
track variables such as
input and output rates,
throughputs, states,
conveyor accumulations,
etc.
4. Place additional
animation constructs
(e.g., plots) to animate
system variables.
2. Click the Go button on
the Run toolbar to start
the simulation.
1. Place the Simulate
module and specify
advanced options. Enter
replication parameters in
Arena’s Run > Setup
menu.
• • • • •
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
2 • General Concepts
When a simulation run begins, Arena Packaging first processes the data and logic of the
system as defined by the modules in the model. Special-purpose variables called Arena
Packaging variables are automatically created for each module. These variables are
dynamic quantities that describe the state of the system. Examples of Arena Packaging
template variables include equipment states, run speeds, input and output rates, throughputs, conveyor accumulation levels, tank levels, etc. A more detailed discussion and list of
the Arena Packaging template variables can be found in Chapter 5 of this user’s guide.
The model of the system is then input into a simulation engine specifically designed for
simulating high-speed, high-volume flow. This engine utilizes two distinct technologies:
SIMAN and an algorithmic kernel. The SIMAN portion of the engine manages discrete
system events such as equipment failures, changeovers, and stops, as well as system
resources such as operators. SIMAN is the core language of the Arena development
environment and has been designed, developed, and successfully used since 1982 to
conduct discrete-event simulations.
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ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Packaging Edition
Model
Animation
SIMAN Engine
Algorithmic Engine
Statistics
The algorithmic portion of the Arena Packaging
template
’s engine manages the complex
logic and statistics associated with high-speed, high-volume flow. Specifically designed for
simulating high-speed processes, it allows Arena Packaging to simulate the performance of
a high-volume system accurately and efficiently without using entities to represent individual units or batches of units.
As the simulation begins, unit flow starts at the front of lines and moves downstream. The
simulation then automatically tracks, updates, and collects statistics on the Arena
Packaging variables for the length of the simulation run. Numeric values, plots, and levels
of Arena Packaging template variables can be viewed during the simulation using Arena’s
animation constructs.
For more information, refer to the HSMART examples for Step 3.
A primary objective of most simulation studies is to generate statistics about a system’s
performance so that you can make the “right” decisions.
When an Arena Packaging template model (i.e., .doe file) is run, the simulation results are
stored in a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) file by the same name (e.g., the simulation
results for CandyLine.doe are stored in CandyLine.mdb).
®
Arena Packaging then utilizes Crystal Reports
database. The Category Overview report displays information for system resources
defined using the Packaging template modules, such as machines, palletizers, conveyors,
storages, etc. It also displays information for system resources defined using the Arena
template modules.
Each major section of the report pertains to a type of system resource (e.g., machines,
conveyors, palletizers, storages). Within these sections, statistics are listed by module and
grouped into categories. The categories are Description, Unit Summary, Activity Counter,
Total Time, Cost, Performance, Usage, and Other.
to display the statistics stored in the report
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
13
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Module statistics are not generated by default. Instead, Arena Packaging allows you to
choose which statistics you want to collect, write to the report database, and see in Crystal
Reports. You specify that a module’s statistics are included in the reports by selecting the
Statistics option in the module dialog box.
Check Statistics to
report statistics for a
module.
14
It is also easy to turn off statistics for all modules of a particular type (e.g., turn off
statistics for all conveyors, or all machines). Within the Simulate module, there are check
boxes for collecting statistics on Machines, Conveyors, Palletizers, Operators, Operator
Groups, and Storages. When one of those prompts is checked, statistics will be reported
for all modules of that type that have their individual module-level statistics check box
selected. When one of those prompts is not checked, no modules of that type will have
statistics reported, regardless of whether the individual module-level statistics are
selected.
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
Turn on/off statistics for all modules of
a particular type in the Simulate
module.
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
Refer to the HSMART examples for Step 4 for more information.
Step 4 • View Automatic Statistics
HSMART30: Generating Cost Statistics
Step 5 • Experiment with complex strategies
In the first four steps of the methodology, you built a base model of your system’s process;
defined basic equipment behavior such as run speeds, loss, and reliability; and performed
an initial simulation run.
Once that base model and study are completed, you can utilize additional features in
Arena Packaging to experiment with more complex strategies and issues in your line. For
discussion purposes, these strategies and feature sets have been divided into five main
topics.
15
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
The five topics are introduced briefly below.
Products, production plans, and changeovers
By default, the Arena Packaging template’s algorithms simulate the flow of a
“generic” or single product type through the system. Optionally, you can model the
flow of multiple product types and thus incorporate product-related issues such as
changeovers, set-up times, product-dependent run speeds, etc.
The Product and Production Plans modules are available for defining multiple products
processed in a system and their requirements. The Production and Changeovers option
in Machine and Palletizer modules is where you assign changeover times or production
plan data to those elements.
The Switch module can be used to split unit flow based on product type.
16
Scheduled stops
Arena Packaging has options for defining scheduled downtimes or maintenance for
machines, conveyors, and palletizers in the system. Scheduled stops are considered to
be planned downtimes and thus are reported and tracked separately from the failures
that occur due to equipment reliability. Unlike failures, scheduled stops are also not
factored into utilization.
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
The Scheduled Stops option in Machine, Palletizer, and Conveyor modules is where
you define scheduled downtimes for those elements.
Dynamic line control
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
Dynamic line control is often necessary for regulating or directing particular situations
and events in a system. It can be a critical factor of a line’s design, impacting system
utilization and performance.
The Arena Packaging template has options for placing controls and sensors on equipment such that the details of your functional control system can be incorporated into
the model logic. A control is a function that monitors system status for one or more
conditions. When a condition is true, one or more actions can be taken (e.g., change
the speed factor of a machine). Sensors are devices that can be placed anywhere along
the lengths of conveyors and tanks to monitor accumulation levels of units or fluids.
When a sensor is either covered or uncovered, it is triggered and one or more actions
can be taken.
The Controls option in Machine, Palletizer, and Conveyor modules is where you
define controls for those elements. The Sensors option in Conveyor and Tank modules
is where you define sensors for those elements.
The Actions module is also available for performing actions on the system using
discrete entities and logic rather than controls or sensors.
17
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Define
controls for
equipment in
the Controls
dialog box.
Place
sensors on
conveyors or
tanks in the
Sensors
dialog box.
18
Labor
The availability and training of personnel connected to a high-speed line can be
critical to the line’s success. It can have a direct effect on issues such as utilization,
machine maintenance, and output.
Arena Packaging provides the Operator, Operator Group, and Operator Schedule
modules for modeling the availability and organization of labor in the system. You can
assign operators to failure repairs, scheduled stops, and/or changeover activities in the
equipment modules.
2 • GENERAL CONCEPTS
Discrete entity creation and logic
The Arena Packaging template supports the modeling of discrete or “low-speed” logic
in your system. There are several options for creating entities at discrete times during
high-speed simulations, such as when a sensor or control is activated, or when a
palletizer completes a pallet.
• • • • •
2 • General Concepts
The Actions module can also be used to perform actions on the high-speed system (e.g.,
changing run speeds of machines, opening or closing valves, adding pallets to a storage,
etc.) using discrete entities and logic. Therefore, this module facilitates the integration
of discrete logic built with constructs from the general-purpose Arena template.
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ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Refer to the HSMART examples for Step 5 for illustrations.
Step 5 • Experiment with Complex Strategies
Operators
HSMART32: Modeling Operators and Operator Groups
HSMART33: Modeling Operator Schedules
Control Logic
HSMART34: Adjusting Equipment Speeds Using Controls
HSMART35: Adjusting Equipment Speeds Using Conveyor Sensors
HSMART36: Adjusting Equipment Speeds Using the Actions Module
HSMART37: Writing Detailed Data to Files Using Controls
HSMART38: Writing Detailed Data to Files Using Sensors
HSMART39: Opening and Closing Valves Using Tank Sensors
Products and Changeovers
HSMART40: Using Products and Production Plans (Plan-based Equipment
HSMART42: Defining Loss for Changeovers
HSMART43: Product Flow Controls Using the Switch Module
HSMART44: Adjusting Equipment Speeds Based on Product Type
HSMART45: Adjusting Container Volumes at a Filler Based on Product Type
20
Scheduled Stops
HSMART46: Modeling Scheduled Stops
HSMART47: Defining Loss for Scheduled Stops
HSMART50: Modeling the Delivery of Raw Material to an Arena Packaging
Template Line
HSMART51: Modeling Discrete Deliveries of Fluid to a Tank
3
The Packaging Panel
Panel modules
This chapter contains a detailed description of each of the Packaging panel modules,
including prompt descriptions and remarks on module usage.
Actions module
D
ESCRIPTION
The Actions module is useful for modeling discrete entity logic that alters the status of the
system, but which is not directly dependent upon equipment sensors or controls. When an
entity enters this module, it performs the set of actions defined in the Actions repeat
group. The Actions module is similar to the Actions dialog box found in the Controls and
Sensors dialog boxes of Machines, Conveyors, and Palletizers. There is no time delay
associated with this module.
R
EMARKS
The Actions dialog boxes found in the Controls and Sensors dialog boxes of Machines,
Conveyors, and Palletizers allow you to alter system status when controls and/or sensors
are activated. The Actions module provides similar functionality as those Actions dialog
boxes in the equipment modules. It provides additional system control by allowing you to
initiate actions using discrete entities.
The Arena Packaging
Packaging modules. These special-purpose variables are automatically defined and
assigned values over the course of a simulation by the Arena Packaging engine. They
reference both dynamic and static information of a modeled system (e.g., equipment run
speeds, input and output rates, conveyor accumulation levels, throughput quantities,
storage and tank levels, etc.).
Use the Update HiSpeedSim Variables action to make sure that all packaging-related
variables reflect the current state before using them. This is especially useful if you will be
making decisions based on variable values, writing them, or using them in calculations.
Note that the action is named “Update HiSpeedSim Variables” rather than “Update
Packaging Variables” to maintain compatibility with models built in earlier versions of the
software.
template
provides a set of Packaging variables for several of the
3 • Packaging Panel
21
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Conveyor module
D
ESCRIPTION
This module defines the accumulating conveyor elements that move product through the
system. Accumulating conveyors allow products to move on the conveyor even if products
at the end of the conveyor are stopped. They are typically used as buffers to level out line
fluctuations caused by machine stoppages, failures, differences in run speeds, etc. The
following figure shows some basic terminology and attributes for accumulating conveyors.
Products enter the conveyor from the upstream module and travel along the conveyor’s
length. If the Output Rate off of the conveyor is less than the Input Rate onto the
conveyor, then products accumulate in front of the downstream module.
You can also specify optional characteristics for conveyors such as sensors, controls, loss,
reliability, and scheduled stops.
R
EMARKS
Refer to the Sensors, Controls, Loss, Reliability, Scheduled Stops, Costs, and Animation
dialog boxes for more information on these options.
Accumulating conveyors are always initially active with a speed factor of 1 at the beginning of a simulation run.
22
A conveyor’s run parameters may be specified in either metric or English units of
measure, depending on what is selected for Units of Measure in the Simulate module. See
the “Simulate module” on page 36 for further information.
Conveyor modules may not be linked directly to other Conveyor modules. The Conveyor
Link module must be used to model adjoining conveyors.
3 • THE PACKAGING PANEL
To model non-accumulating conveyors, use a Machine module of type Conveyor Machine.
The Split and Merge modules may be used to model splitting product flow across multiple
conveyors or merging the product flow of multiple conveyors onto a single conveyor.
The Switch module may be used to direct flow off a single inbound conveyor onto one of
two possible outbound conveyors (i.e., flow goes “left” or “right”).
Conveyor Link (CLink) module
D
ESCRIPTION
The Conveyor Link module is used to connect two Conveyor modules directly.
R
EMARKS
You may open or close a conveyor link using the Actions dialog box to permit or prohibit
material from passing between conveyors.
• • • • •
Label module
D
ESCRIPTION
The Label module may be used to identify a particular portion of the model logic,
whereby discrete entities may be sent easily to the label from other locations in the model.
The name of a label module can be referenced in a “Send to Label” field (e.g., in a Sensor
dialog box) to send discrete entities to this module. Upon arriving to the Label module,
each entity will immediately proceed to the next module that is graphically connected to
the Label module’s exit point.
Machine module
D
ESCRIPTION
The Machine module defines the processing elements of the system. Four general types of
machines are available for modeling purposes. These types are Basic Machines, Assembly
Machines, Filling Machines, and Conveyor Machines (standard or single-file). Each is
detailed below.
3 • Packaging Panel
23
ARENA PACKAGING TEMPLATE USER’S GUIDE
• • • • •
Basic Machines for standard processing. Examples include labeling, inspecting, and
packaging operations that do not involve multiple inbound lines. The nominal run
speed of the machine is defined in terms of cycles/min and units/cycle. Basic
machines do not have capacity; the process is instantaneous and capacity is 0.
Inbound LineOutbound Line
Assembly Machines for merging input from two or more inbound lines (non-fluid).
Examples include capping and packaging operations. The nominal run speed of the
machine is defined in terms of cycles/min and assemblies/cycle. In addition to the run
speed of the assembly operation, output rates from the inbound lines are dependent on
the units/assembly required from each line.
A single inbound line can also be defined for an assembly machine to model a batching operation (e.g., shrink-wrapping inbound units). Assembly machines do not have
capacity; the process is instantaneous and capacity is 0.
Basic Machine
Nominal Run Speed
Cycles/Minute
Units/Cycle
24
Assembly Machine
Nominal Run Speed
Cycles/Minute
Inbound LineOutbound Line
Units/Assembly
Assemblies/Cycle
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