Use variables as shared assets in a process flow

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In FlexSim, a shared asset is an asset that can be utilized by multiple entities or processes within your model.

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Shared assets help you manage dependencies within your process flow and allow you to set specific criteria for the use of the shared asset.

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There are four main types of shared assets, one of which is variables.

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Variables are data elements that can be shared, read, and changed by multiple entities within your process flow,

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without delaying or interrupting your flow.

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Unlike other shared assets, variables are not limited assets.

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They are used to store information that can influence how your simulation operates,

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enabling the creation of dynamic and flexible process flows.

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Here, a model and ProcessFlow have been set up to illustrate how variables operate.

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When a new item enters the Leader Queue, a token is created with a Type label between 1 and 50.

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A color will then be assigned to each type.

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Select the item to view its Properties, where the Type is set to 15.

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In the ProcessFlow, select the token in the Delay activity to see that the Type value is set to 15 here as well.

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Next, in the ProcessFlow, click the Set Variable activity.

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Here, the Variable Reference is set to ActiveColor, and the Value is set to token.Type.

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This means that the token will set the active color based on its type value.

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When a new item is received by the processor,

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the corresponding token will move to the Get Variable activity,

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which—if you click to view its properties—you see will add a label called ActiveColor to the token.

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Next, the Change Visual activity will change the object color.

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Again, click to view the properties,

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then click Edit next to Set Object Color

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to see that the visual of the item is set to update from the palette based on the ActiveColor of the token.

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Now, Run the simulation to view the variable in action.

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When an item reaches the Processor, its color is changed to the color of the leading item.

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Variables can be used to access information globally throughout the model.

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To see the value of a variable, in the ProcessFlow, select the Variable.

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Then, in Properties, click View Variable.

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In the corresponding window you can see the Current type assigned.

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Notice that when the Type changes, the color of the leading item changes,

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and the color of the items being processed change as well.

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A variable can be a number, a string, an array, a tree, a node, or essentially any other data type.

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Now you can use variables to store, read, and change data in your model.