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Hi I have an entity that is moved through the network via vehicles. The vehicle will drop of the entity at the first server which then gets processed through two servers. I would like to use the vehicle that dropped off the entity at the Input to the first server to be used to pick up the next entity at the output of the second server. Is there a way to save the exact Vehicle that was used and specify that as the Vehicle to use at the second pick up point? Hopefully to a global variable and not to the entity (in my actual model, the entity going in to Server 1 is not the next entity coming out of Server 2). At the moment I am using 'Reserve Closest' as the reservation method at Server 2. I know that is incorrect, but I'm not sure how to setup this up using the other methods. In the attached model, process works for the first entity, but does not for the second entity onwards. Due to other limitations in the model, I need to have the Vehicles to 'Remain in Place' during idle. Thanks in advance for the help. SpecificVehicle.spfx

Hi There, I have lots of experience in simulation but I'm new to Simio - my apologies if my Simio vocabulary/conceptualization is off or if this question has been asked already. I'm working to build a queue model simulation with a network of services and multiple staff types. In my mind, it makes the best sense to do this using the standard library of servers and resource pools (to visualize the network for stakeholders and be able to model multiple staff with different schedules that can each respond to multiple services). Right now, I am starting with a single stage M/M/c type queue to make sure that my implementation is correct before scaling this upwards. I checked out the SimBit titled 'Source – Server – Sink' that has three different M/M/c implementations; however, none of them use Resource Pool objects or combine process triggers with the standard library. I was able to implement a basic model that tries to combine a resource pool with a server by triggering separate Seize and Release process triggers on entry to the server object and after the processing time is completed, respectively. It runs without error; however, the results for average time in system (calculated by an average of a tally statistic that is only recorded for every 500th customer/entity), the results are one third less than in a scenario where I don't use a resource pool and set the capacity of the server explicitly, (which I validated against M/M/c formulae results). Does anyone have tips for how to link servers and resource pools and troubleshoot this scenario? Is there a SimBit or other example out there that is relevant? Am I triggering the seize/resource processes at the wrong points in time? Or is my framework for how to conceptualize this in the Simio environment missing a key concept? Thanks!!

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Simio’s neural network implementation allows the import and export of ONNX files, which ensure that Simio is compatible with many machine learning frameworks. This format is well-documented, and there are many third-party packages and applications that can help you convert machine learning models to/from ONNX, or to open and view ONNX files. The attached document provides a basic summary for several of these packages, including tensorflow-onnx, onnx2pytorch, and Netron. Please note that none of these packages are affiliated with Simio, so any issues or limitations of these packages can be discussed on the package’s GitHub page. ONNX Format Utilities.pdf

My simulation is looking at maintaining inventory levels at multiple servers across a road network. Inventory is delivered via transports and is processed at each station at a rate of 1 item per hour (constant). What I am trying to do is to run some experiments to determine effects of different parameters on delivery system performance (ability to maintain inventory at (between 0-12) at each server location for the duration (72 hours is the current short test case). I have my responses set up to report Input@Server1.AssociatedStationLoad however the numbers are being listed between 0 and 1 instead of 0 and 12. Additionally, in the experiment output I get a 1 or 0 per server per scenario iteration. What I need to see is if any (and what) server hits 0 at any given time by having an output give an inventory level at current time for the duration of each run. Any advice?

Hi M_A, Just setting the Sequence property to 'Sequence1' should be enough since you set up relational tables. Because you have Maximum Arrivals set to '1', it is going to produce 1 entity type. I would switch your Maximum Arrivals to '35' and number of entities per arrival to '1'. You will also need to set your interarrival time to '0', so all 35 show up at the same time. It might be best to use a second Source object to create your second shift. I would increase the length of the Ride Station Queue in order to see all 6 passengers boarding the Vehicle. I think the network is fine, but hard to debug. Be sure all travel destinations for the Vehicle are possible. Thanks, Ryan

Hi Ryan, Thank you for the corrections. As always, spot-on advice, that is very appreciated. I do have a few follow up questions. - Do I set the Initial Sequence property to 'Sequence1' or do I need to tell it the row too? 'Sequence1.Sequence'? Sequence 1 is working, but just wondering. - In the SimBit, Entity Follows Sequence With Relational Tables, there are three types of Entities that all flow through the same source with the Source Property, Table Row Referencing, pulling from the JobTable with the Row Number 'JobTable.ProductMix.RandomRow.' For my model, I have two different entities and the source Bldg is supposed to pull BOTH entities with the Table Row Referencing, "JobsTable" with Row Number: "JobsTable.NumberWorkers.RandomRow." But when the model is run, only one entity is ever used. The Table has an ExpressionProperty of Random.Triangular(3,6,9). Is that the problem? The SimBit's table was an actual number. I tried replacing the Expressions with actual numbers and the Entity switched to use the other one but I am still not able to get half the 34 to be one Entity and the other half to be the other Entity. - How do I get the Vehicle to carry its max capacity? The capacity is set to 6, and it only carries up to 4 entities around at any time. This is incorrect, as the Entities are supposed to be grouped into work teams of Random.Triangular(3,6,9) for their initial Source output move. Afterwards they can be individuals or work teams. The Bldg has the Entity Type defined as the JobsTable.Specialty so it should pull from one or the other (like the below mentioned SimBit), and the with Entities Per Arrival Set at 35; and the Entities themselves are set to a population maximum of 17 each and I get a Runtime error of maximum number exceeds limit for the entities. Why doesn't it hit the limit and then pull from the other Entity? - I'm confused about the network you mentioned above. I thought the nodes had to be linked directly (output to input node). So the busy nodes have a lot of paths radiating out from them and it makes it a little messy. Is there a cleaner way to show the routing? Thank you,

Hi M_A, The sequences in your table are never assigned to the entities before or as they are created. Assigned the sequences by selecting the entity instances in the Facility view, and set the Initial Sequence property under Routing Logic to 'Sequence1'. Also, the Entity Destination Type property on all of your Transfer Nodes, including the outputs nodes of all Servers, must be set to 'By Sequence' in order for the entities to follow the sequence appropriately. Here are a few other things I noticed while looking over the model: All of your Servers only have the capacity to process 1 entity at a time, so for your case only one employee can work in that area at one time. As soon as each employee is done working they will request a pick up 1 at a time. May not be what you are looking for here. The processing times at the Servers aren't linked to the table. You can link them by setting them to 'Sequence1.ProcessingTime'. Be sure to set the appropriate units in the column properties of ProcessTimes. It is hard to see the network that is available for the Vehicle, so one more thing to check is that the Vehicle has all of the needed paths to pick up and drop off the entities. Thanks, Ryan

Thank you so much for your help. I already did this one. In the attached model, I did everything that you did in your model by myself. Again, I have problem with state variable "StaNumberEntered".The only thing is different with your model is that I consider network instead of free space because I want similar to my network. Thanks again, Nadere cutoff.spfx

Hello, I have a network that it has several sources and sinks. I set the following properties for each path: 1) Initial Traveler Capacity: 770000 2) Drown to scale: False 3) Logical Length: 150 Miles 4) Allow Passing: False 5) Speed Limit: 90 Miles per Hour. By putting these properties on the link, congestion is occurred in the system. When I run the model that entities randomly choose path and sink, TimeInSystem get different values for minimum, maximum and average in result part. However, when I put sequence for all paths and source, TimeInSystem get the same values for minimum, maximum and average in result part while we have congestion in the network. Can you tell me why the TimeInSystem does not change? Thanks, Nadere

Hello, I have a network with one source and different sinks. I use add on process on the output of my source to choose the sinks based in the capacity. When I run the model, all created entities destroyed in the sinks correctly but in result part, "TimeInSystem" is equal zero. Due to add on process, is it happen?Should I calculate time in system with Tally? Best, Nadere

Thanks. In a network with multiple vehicles, is it possible to define vehicle-based "Task Selection Strategy" in Transport Logic? i.e. we define different priority list for vehicles? Regards Amin

Hello All, In the attached file, you could accelerate the speed of entities in the free space. I want to do the same thing in the network. Is there any way to accelerate the speed of entities on the path? If yes, could you please help me how I can do it? For example, in the attached file, is there any way to accelerate the speed of entities on path 5 and 3 (After passing point A)? I was wondering if you could let me know how I can do it.  Thanks, Nadere EntitySpeed4.spfx

Hello, I want to simulate an evacuation network problem. When a hurricane is imminent, all people want to evacuate the hazard area to safe areas. Therefore, we have a traffic jam (congestion) on the road. So, The speed of vehicles changes based on traffic. I have a couple of questions: 1) Is there any module in the Simio to consider traffic on the road instead of considering waiting time for server or transfer node. I mean that congestion embedded on the road by decreasing the speed of entities. 2) Are there any options to consider congestion such as considering a segment of a road is decomposed into cells based on the free flow velocity and length of discrete time step. By this division, vehicles can move only to adjacent cells in unit time. The connectors between cells are dummy arcs indicating the direction of flow between cells. For example, if 5 hour takes time to drive from the beginning of the road to the end, we put transfer node after each one unite of time (server---> after 1 hour--> transfer node ---> after 1 hour--> transfer node ---> after 1 hour--> transfer node ---> after 1 hour--> transfer node ---> server ). In the path, vehicles drive with fixed speed and path has a fixed capacity. Therefore, we can consider congestion if a vehicle wait to enter the path. I would be really happy if you could let me know how to consider congestion on the road. Thanks, Nadere

Hello, I want to model an evacuation network design problem with Simio. My goal is to consider traffic congestion in the model. Congestion happens when road capacity is not enough for that amount of people immediately leave the source node. I was wondering if you could let me know how to consider capacity for either path or connector. I would be happy if you could share an example with me. Thanks, Nadere

Using paths and networks this is pretty easy. You can specify that a worker follows a given network and that network can prevent him from traveling in forbidden areas - for example a visitor network vs an employee network. I expect it is possible in free space but it would likely involve user written code (steering behavior, ...) or some cleverness. But I can't help much beyond that.

Hello, I am working on evacuation network design problem. My network has several evacuation areas (source nodes), road segment, and shelters (destination nodes). I consider congestion as people might stick in the traffic and they have to reduce their speed in the road. My goal is to send people from hazard areas to safe areas in the defined time horizon. So my first question is that, can I use SIMIO for simulating my model? Since my model has limited time for evacuation (Terminating problem), can I validate my problem with replications, if yes, how many replications I need? 2) Is there any other method to validate my model? Thanks,

Hi - I am trying to relocate nodes during run time using Relocate Object step. It works if my nodes are not connected by any links, otherwise it does not. I want my entities to follow a Network Path in Travel step, therefore, it is crucial that my nodes are connected. Any suggestion how I could achieve this? My aim is to avoid collisions when entities travel from one node to other in free space, only way I know to achieve this is through Travel step. Thanks, Zaki

Hi Mark, I was able to get the jibcrane example to work within a small example. I simply specified the network of the hook/ grabber. Directly open the attached file and select the SmallExample object in the project window then run. Thanks for the share. JibCraneLibraryB.spfx

Hello everyone, I need some help with this please: I have 3 models in which the entity has free space movement with a specific sequence for each one. I put these 3 models (defining the external nodes) in one model and I want the entity to go in one of the 3 models with a certain probability. So I defined 3 connectors (one for each model) by weight logic and I specified the probability. Then I defined the entity Initial Travel Mode as "Network if possible" because the entity has to be able to travel in the connector, I defined a general sequence that cointains all the 3 models and then I assigned a sequence placing the SetRow Step in the Add-On Process when the entity enters one submodel. All the nodes are transfernodes with destination fixed as By Sequence. At this point I have 2 problems: - The entity does not follow the sequence that I assigned in each model because it tries to find a network, so it seems that it can not run in free space and so it does not follow the sequence table. Maybe it is because before entering a submodel it runs in the connector and not in free space from the beginning. - I defined the sequence and the logic in each model and I want that the entity exits the model when a state is equal to a specific number. In order to do this I defined a Decide Step in order to detect when the state is equal to that number and a SetNode specifying the outbound node of my submodel. When I run the model an error appears saying that the node is not in the same model where the entity is currently running. I do not understand why since the node, that is an outbound node, should be present in both models (the submodel and the entire model).

Hi Everyone, I am student at Ohio University and I am working on a simulating Puerto Rico's electrical network, specifically looking at robustness and resilience. I understand there are flow SimBits that may be help but has anyone successfully created an electrical network before? I also noticed this was discussed in the forum several years ago and creating a custom electricity library was recommended, since this discussion has anyone created a library and is it available to the public? Thank you all for your time.

Hello Judy, Thanks for your modifications, I edited the model with these comments. I have some concerns, first, by applying Standard Dispatching Rule, Is it minimise the processing time of task, and I do not know how to run the simulation by using a new network with vehicles. Best regards Ahmed Elkherbawy

Hello Ahmed, You still have your vehicles set to Network only. But there aren't any paths/networks to follow at all for it. It can't travel from one place to the other without them. Therefore, distance traveled is 0. You could place two nodes at each end of the server and have your vehicles move back and forth between those in free space. You'd have to set your vehicles' initial travelmode to Freespace Only. Next, you have some issues with your logic. Entities are trying to seize the resources/vehicle. You have your tasks set to seize SomeProperty.HasValue. The .HasValue only checks to see if there is a value in the property. Which it does. But the check is more like a Boolean. 1 or 0. It is not a value or quantity. Then you have the number of units of capacity for each vehicle only set to 1 because work schedule. Which is fine. But even if you take the .HasValue off, you are trying to seize more units of capacity than one. Since your vehicles never have that capacity (remember ride capacity and resource capacity are different things) your order will never finish processing and will always be behind. I would worry about the logic of your model. I have modified your model to over simplify things. Which I recommend doing first. Then building upon that. Get an entity to travel from the start to finish before adding lots of other factors in. In the modified model (saved in10.165) , you can see that you have set a Target. The Scheduled finish date versus the actual finish date are tied together. As far as constraints, you will see that in the Planning tab, after running the Create Plan button, there is under the Tasks of Section1 where the Constraints are shown. See image. In this case, it's the resource arrival of a vehicle. I hope this information helps. Thank you, Judy Model 1 Modified.spfx

Hello Ahmed, First, you have your vehicle network only. And there aren't enough paths or links for it to travel on in the correct directions. I would set it to network if possible for now until you resolve this and you have some of your nodes with Outbound Travel Mode set to Network Only. But the vehicle is having the most issues with the fact that it is being required to be in two places at once and the processing of the entity at the servers will never complete. The first entity goes into the Unloading Server. You have it being moved as a secondary resource to the input node at the server in your task requirements. Then, you have the server itself requiring the AggregateTipperTruck to move to the output node as it is required. The resource capacity for the vehicle can be seized twice and successfully complete processing at the server. I hope this helps point you in the right direction. Judy

I tried using this Add-in to change the names of 533 Nodes in my network. After I filled the table and re-ran the add-in again a notification come up stating that "Number of objects updated = 533"; however, when I looked in the facility view the node names did not change. Is there some other way for me to use this add-in to quickly change the names of 500+ nodes? Thank you