& Construction

Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
& Manufacturing

Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Navigate the user interface in FlexSim.
Type:
Tutorial
Length:
4 min.
Transcript
00:03
FlexSim is a 3D simulation software that models, simulates, predicts,
00:09
and visualizes business systems across a variety of industries,
00:13
including manufacturing, material handling, healthcare, warehousing, mining, logistics, and more.
00:25
The user-friendly, easy-to-learn interface allows you to start creating models and simulations right away,
00:31
so that you can make informed decisions about your business systems.
00:36
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the FlexSim user interface.
00:40
When you create a new model, the Model Units dialog displays,
00:45
allowing you to set the units for your model, including Time Units, Length Units, Fluid Units, and Start Time.
00:54
Pay special attention to setting the units correctly, since units cannot be adjusted later.
00:60
Expand each unit to select the setting—in this case, keep the defaults—and then, click OK.
01:08
To the left of the model, you can access the Library and Toolbox by toggling between the tabs shown.
01:14
Use the Library pane to access the objects with which you can build your 3D model, and to access activity sets for your process flows.
01:23
Click the Toolbox tab, and then expand the Plus symbol to select and add tools to your toolbox from the drop-down list.
01:31
This includes changing import settings and accessing more abstract features and tools for your model.
01:38
At the top of the interface, the simulation control bar allows you to control your simulation,
01:44
including the Run Speed and Run Time.
01:46
Run Speed allows you to adjust how quickly or slowly your model runs, while Run Time allows you to set when your model runs.
01:55
Expand Run Time.
01:57
By default, the Run Time is set to 8:00AM, but you can adjust the Start Time and Stop Times to fit the needs of your model.
02:05
Adjusting the Stop Times can be useful for debugging your model—
02:09
—for example, if you know that an error occurs at a specific time—or simply to stop your model from running indefinitely.
02:16
From the simulation control bar, you can also run simulations.
02:21
Use Reset anytime you change anything in your model,
02:25
Run and Stop to start and stop running your model, and Fast Forward, Skip, and Step to jump ahead in your model.
02:34
Above the simulation bar, you see the main toolbar with features like Process Flow and Dashboards.
02:40
Select Process Flow to create process flows and define more complex logic in your model.
02:47
Select Dashboards to create a linked dashboard that collects model data to help you make decisions about how you use your model.
02:54
Here, the Parameter Table Dashboard allows you to use the Experimenter and set parameters that will change.
03:02
The Properties pane displays to the right of your model and currently displays the Properties of a basic 3D model.
03:09
However, this pane updates contextually when you select a component in your model.
03:14
For example, in the Library, under Task Executers, select and drag an Operator into your model, and then select that Operator.
03:25
Notice that the Properties pane now displays the Operator properties.
03:30
Here, you can adjust specific settings, like the operator looks, how fast the operator walks and more.
03:37
The Properties will update again if you select an alternate item.
03:42
In the Library, under Fixed Resources, select and drag a Processor into the model,
03:48
then select the Processor to see the corresponding Properties display.
03:53
Now you are familiar with the basic components of the FlexSim user interface, and you are ready to begin exploring how to build your model.
Video transcript
00:03
FlexSim is a 3D simulation software that models, simulates, predicts,
00:09
and visualizes business systems across a variety of industries,
00:13
including manufacturing, material handling, healthcare, warehousing, mining, logistics, and more.
00:25
The user-friendly, easy-to-learn interface allows you to start creating models and simulations right away,
00:31
so that you can make informed decisions about your business systems.
00:36
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the FlexSim user interface.
00:40
When you create a new model, the Model Units dialog displays,
00:45
allowing you to set the units for your model, including Time Units, Length Units, Fluid Units, and Start Time.
00:54
Pay special attention to setting the units correctly, since units cannot be adjusted later.
00:60
Expand each unit to select the setting—in this case, keep the defaults—and then, click OK.
01:08
To the left of the model, you can access the Library and Toolbox by toggling between the tabs shown.
01:14
Use the Library pane to access the objects with which you can build your 3D model, and to access activity sets for your process flows.
01:23
Click the Toolbox tab, and then expand the Plus symbol to select and add tools to your toolbox from the drop-down list.
01:31
This includes changing import settings and accessing more abstract features and tools for your model.
01:38
At the top of the interface, the simulation control bar allows you to control your simulation,
01:44
including the Run Speed and Run Time.
01:46
Run Speed allows you to adjust how quickly or slowly your model runs, while Run Time allows you to set when your model runs.
01:55
Expand Run Time.
01:57
By default, the Run Time is set to 8:00AM, but you can adjust the Start Time and Stop Times to fit the needs of your model.
02:05
Adjusting the Stop Times can be useful for debugging your model—
02:09
—for example, if you know that an error occurs at a specific time—or simply to stop your model from running indefinitely.
02:16
From the simulation control bar, you can also run simulations.
02:21
Use Reset anytime you change anything in your model,
02:25
Run and Stop to start and stop running your model, and Fast Forward, Skip, and Step to jump ahead in your model.
02:34
Above the simulation bar, you see the main toolbar with features like Process Flow and Dashboards.
02:40
Select Process Flow to create process flows and define more complex logic in your model.
02:47
Select Dashboards to create a linked dashboard that collects model data to help you make decisions about how you use your model.
02:54
Here, the Parameter Table Dashboard allows you to use the Experimenter and set parameters that will change.
03:02
The Properties pane displays to the right of your model and currently displays the Properties of a basic 3D model.
03:09
However, this pane updates contextually when you select a component in your model.
03:14
For example, in the Library, under Task Executers, select and drag an Operator into your model, and then select that Operator.
03:25
Notice that the Properties pane now displays the Operator properties.
03:30
Here, you can adjust specific settings, like the operator looks, how fast the operator walks and more.
03:37
The Properties will update again if you select an alternate item.
03:42
In the Library, under Fixed Resources, select and drag a Processor into the model,
03:48
then select the Processor to see the corresponding Properties display.
03:53
Now you are familiar with the basic components of the FlexSim user interface, and you are ready to begin exploring how to build your model.
How to buy
Privacy | Do not sell or share my personal information | Cookie preferences | Report noncompliance | Terms of use | Legal | © 2025 Autodesk Inc. All rights reserved
Sign in for the best experience
Save your progress
Get access to courses
Receive personalized recommendations
May we collect and use your data?
Learn more about the Third Party Services we use and our Privacy Statement.May we collect and use your data to tailor your experience?
Explore the benefits of a customized experience by managing your privacy settings for this site or visit our Privacy Statement to learn more about your options.