Navigate the user interface in FlexSim.
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.
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.
