Line Calling possible in Flexsim?

Hi,
I am wondering if such an object in FlexSIM exists that we can simulate processing objects within a queue. It sounds a little weird, but we are trying to simulate the "line-calling" process (i.e. someone takes your order in line, thus creating work, but you are still waiting in line for your subsequent processes to be finished). So, if you have people moving through a queue, they can be "worked" on, yet retain their place in line. Any thoughts around this? We tried creating invidual processors and a queue, using send mesages to open and close ports, etc, but that didn't quite work as desired. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Susan

Have you tried looking at the multiprocessor? You could model every process as a position in line and for instance based on a rank define if a process time is 0 (which effectively means it moves to the next position)

Susan this model might help. After the strict queue of order taking is processed, a more loose queue is made until the order is completed. In that model there are 4 'strict' queues running in parallel.

Edit: Seems this model wasn't as far developed as I thought and didn't do as I said here, hence the model below.

I updated it to generate the secondary task of preparing a beverage. It's still just the start of an approach you could take.

Currently if the task time to prepare the beverage (defined in the usercommand) is too quick it can cause problems as it's that task that releases a customer to collection point without checking if they've finished paying or that they've travelled to the waiting position.

Thanks Jason. I feel like the elements of the model that you assisted on, I have pretty much taken care of. (though I do like the idea of a multprocessor for ordering and tendering processes instead of individual ones). We were able to simulate a line calling process (i.e. having an operator going out to the line and taking orders while the customers still retain their place in line) with the model by creating a "pre-order" and "post-order" queue and modifying their max content. However, while this serves its purpose, visually it doesn't look very realistic. We want the operator to walk up to the people in the Queue and process them. Does that make sense?

Thanks again!
-Susan

The attached model might be a little different. It contains a single customer queue. The OnResourceAvailable of the operator eventually calls a user command to take orders from customers in line... if not busy at their station.

There are 4 different order types. A global table is used to define what components each order consists of. Order component items are sent through different processes in the kitchen, then combined as a completed order for a specific customer. Note that the customer is colored based on the order type, and the completed order item shows the color of the last component to be completed for the given order. So they will not necessarily match.

The PullRequirements of the combiners have custom code to combine components into orders and deliver them to the correct customer.

I assumed that the operator takes orders and receives payment. The kitchen staff (not physically represented) does everything else including delivering the completed order to the customer.

Cycle times are GlobalMacros, see Global Variables.

I'm sure it needs refinement, but it may give you some ideas.

Aha! Kris and I overlap again.

Here's the operator taking the order from the queue. The task to take the order is generated on the sendToPort pick option of the queue.

Jason

btw. I send the behind-the-counter operators to the dispatcher to indicate the preparation phase (in case that wasn't obvious)