saker solutions

FlexSim
Software for the visualization, modeling, and simulation of
flexibility to the power of

software for the visualization, modeling and simulation

of manufacturing, material handling and logistics systems

manufacturing, material handling, and logistics systems.

flexibility to the power of

Key features FlexSim is a new, PC based, object-oriented, simulation tool used to model,
simulate, and visualize any manufacturing, material handling, logistics or
administration business process.
◆ Fully object-oriented with complete
C++ integration
FlexSim has been developed to allow a user to build models directly in a 3D
◆ Models created graphically, using drag environment with the ease of conventional 2D models. At the same time
and drop incorporated within the standard product are Virtual Reality, Process mapping
functionality and a license to use the worlds leading curve fitting software,
◆ Amazing 3D virtual reality animation ExpertFit.
◆ Exceptionally intuitive, easy-to-learn
Whilst building models is straightforward, FlexSim also allows the Power
interface
User the flexibility to design new objects and if required the user can even
◆ Unsurpassed flexibility and power embed his own C++ code into the tool, thus allowing FlexSim’s modeling
objects to be customized exactly to match the processes you manage.

FlexSim can help you determine plant capacity, balance manufacturing lines,
manage bottlenecks, solve inventory and WIP problems, test new scheduling
practices, optimize production rates, and justify capital expenditures

Customers include Alcan, Anderson Consulting, Bayer, Bechtal, Boeing,

Caterpillar, Coca Cola, Dana, Delphi, DHL, General Mills, General Motors, HP,
Honda, IBM, Kraft, IBM, Michelin, Proctor & Gamble, Port of Los Angeles,
John Hopkins Hospital, TRW, US Army.

Modeling
Flexsim uses highly developed objects that represent process activities and
queuing. To use an object in the model, just drag-and-drop from the library
into the model view. Each object can have a location (x,y,z), a speed (x,y,z),
rotation and a dynamic behavior (time). Objects can be created, destroyed
and moved into one another. They can have their own functionality or
inherit their functionality from other objects. These object parameters result
in a number of key features for quick, easy and effective modeling for any
manufacturing, material handling, or business process.

Objects are connected by dragging lines between them, and edited all with the
mouse. The state of the art graphics provide an excellent way to verify your
model. Logical mistakes can be simply discovered visually by just looking at a
model.

Flexsim’s object parameters allow you to model almost every physical object
that exists. Machines, operators, queues, conveyors, fork trucks, warehouses,
traffic lights, tanks, boxes, pallets, paper flows, containers, and a host of
others can be modeled with Flexsim. Information can also be modeled easily
using Flexsim’s robust modeling library.
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Hierarchy
Flexsim allows the modeler to take a hierarchical approach to model building.
Everything from using inheritance in building custom objects to speed
development time to using a hierarchical structure in model building to
present complex systems in an organized manner. Flexsim allows the user to
make full use of the Microsoft Visual C++ hierarchical features.

Customization
No other simulation software available on the market today allows more
customization by the user than Flexsim. Every aspect of the software is open
for the user to customize. Objects, views, GUI’s, menus, picklists, and object
parameters, to list a few, are all accessible to the model developer. You can
add your own logic to the objects, change existing code, or build completely
new objects. All objects you customize or create from scratch can be added
to the library for re-use in other models. C++ controls the object’s behavior.
Flexsim’s appearance and interface, button bars, menus, and GUI’s are
controlled by Flexscript, a powerful precompiled C++ library.
The handy tree view of objects
can be used to inspect and
modify attributes in a flash Exchangeability
Because Flexsim objects are open to the modeler, objects can be exchanged
between users, libraries, and models. Combined with the fact that objects
can be fully customized, the exchangeability increases modeling speed in an
unbelievable way. When customized objects are added to the library, drag
and drop is sufficient to recreate them in each new model. Customization and
exchangeability extend the lifecycle of both objects and models.

Simulation
Flexsim contains an extremely fast simulation engine that executes enormous
amounts of events in only a short time. The engine handles both the simulation
and the model view (visualization), but the model view can be switched off
to speed up the simulation even more. The special structure of the simulation
engine and the Flexscript language lets you change portions of your models
while the simulation is running. Flexsim is equipped with an experiment option
to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios. Scenarios can be run automatically and results
are stored in reports, tables and graphs. You can analyze the performance
of each scenario by a number of pre-defined and user-defined performance
indicators such as utilization, throughput, lead-time and costs. It’s easy to
export results to other applications like Microsoft® Word and Excel. Input data
for the simulation can also be directly imported from these packages using
ODBC or Dynamic Data Exchange connections.
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Visualization
When a project has been completed, the results need to be implemented.
Animation supports quantitative results expressed in graphs and reports. It
convinces people that the figures in these graphs and reports result from a
model that has been built correctly and is a proper representation of the real
system.

Flexsim incorporates all the latest virtual reality gaming graphics available on
a PC. With the wide range of direct import options for 3D models including
3DS (3D Studio), VRML, 3D DXF, and STL, Flexsim provides options just not
available in any other simulation software. Flexsim’s built-in VR viewers allow
the user to add light sources, fog, and VR cube technology. User defined
‘Fly-Through’s’ can be defined effortlessly to provide state-of the-art model
presentation. AVI files can be generated quickly using Flexsim’s AVI recorder.
Any model can be recorded, copied on a CD, and sent to anyone for instant
viewing.

Output Presentation
Flexsim’s powerful business graphics, Charts, Graphs, Histograms, and 3D
text make presenting model information a delight. Custom reports can be
generated on the fly. Flexsim’s open architecture allows the user to link with
any OBDC data source for reading or writing of model data. Excel and Word
files can be linked at real-time for data presentation.
.
Interface with other software applications
The operational use of simulation models is a hot topic and Flexsim has all
the tools to make it happen. Flexsim can control other software and systems
through a number of communication protocols. Flexsim can of course be
controlled from external sources as well. Simulation data can be dynamically
stored and retrieved through the Flexsim ODBC database interface, or the
Microsoft DDE link with Word and Excel. You can even use the database
language SQL directly from within Flexsim. Flexsim also supports the Internet
protocol (IP) to communicate with simulation models or software applications
on a remote computer. It is possible to access the communication ports of
the computer and to link up external devices such as barcode scanners. If you
want to use code written in another programming language of your choice,
then you will be happy to know that you can link your own dynamic link
libraries (dll’s) to Flexsim.

For more information About Saker Solutions

Saker Solutions has been launched to provide a one-stop shop approach
For more information about FlexSim, to simulation. Linking with some of the worlds leading product developers
visit www.sakersolutions.com.
and utilising experience from across the world Saker Solutions is able to offer its
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clients the right solution for their needs. Saker Solutions can advise on the right
at www.sakersolutions.com simulation product for the job or provide tailored solutions based around a range
for the latest information on of tools always ensuring that their client receives maximum benefit from their
business simulation solutions investment.
or call 01527 892296 or email
info@sakersolutions.com.

saker solutions
Saker Solutions Ltd
Warren Farm House Sambourne Lane Telephone: 01527 892296
Astwood Bank Worcestershire B96 6PL Email: info@sakersolutions.com

© 2003 Saker Solutions Ltd. All rights reserved. Flexsim is a trademark of Flexsim, Inc.