FlexSim Erfahrungen

Great looking and advanced simulations

Kommentare: I am a teacher in university. I had never worked with simulation software before, so it was my first software of such type. FlexSim is just a whole universe, with it's own logic and rules. If you want to do BIG things with it - you have to understand all of these rules, accept them and change your own thinking to follow that rules (to think like FlexSim would think). I am a very advanced user of Excel, and Excel is a large universe as well. But now I am wondering which of them is bigger.

Vorteile:

Great visualization makes it very pleasant to start learning; Lots of built-in features, Data import-export; Different modes (3D, ProcessFlow), where you can work simultaneously or independently; Strong statistics (distributions), that can be integrated on the models, collecting and presenting data; Anything you lack regarding the model or actor logic can be added as code snippets; Really basic models can be made in minutes

Nachteile:

It becomes difficult to learn it when you go in deep. The really basic actions are easy and intuitive, like for kids. But when you get to something just little more complex - it requires a lot of additional knowledge. Little community tutorials. There are not many community samples and tutorials on youtube or in the web. Most of them are over basic functions - you probably will need to enroll a training.

FlexSim is a Great Tool

Kommentare: At the moment I use FlexSim to simulation the possibilities within a given confined space. I build models to represent a few different scenarios and demonstrate them to the team, so that leadership can make a decision on particular go/no-go criteria for a project. I use FlexSim to demonstrate possibilities that people in the viewing group might not have even considered, and generate new conversations regarding what's possible and which direction to go.

Vorteile:

What I like most about FlexSim is the software's ease of use. I did trials on several other simulation software and FlexSim came out on top for me. It was intuitive and just simply made sense when building models. After the initial training I built a simulation model to represent one of our biggest production plants. Having that 3D visual was key in explaining processes to the rest of the team, and I could make real time changes in the model to work through those "what if" scenarios. The intricate details and the ability to allow viewers to see a different perspectives is actually very eye opening.

Nachteile:

What I like least about the software is the lack of floor levels that are representative of actual buildings. This might be minor, but I wished there were options for prebuilt stairs and different floor levels. Stairs and floor levels are common in plants, hospitals, airport, etc., so why not give the user those items in the toolbox. For example, if I wanted to simulate a building with three floors, with people walking from one floor to the other (not necessarily one above the other, otherwise we wouldn't be able to see the operation on the other floors), using a second and third elevated floor plan. Hopefully that makes sense.

FlexSim Modeling

Kommentare: Good initially during classroom session followed by coaching provided by trainer post training. As we only use FlexSim maybe 1-2 times per year, was a struggle trying to remember the system features especially for complex processes. Suggest if FlexSim is conducting new classes, that the previous members can sign up for refresher course at a much lower fees i.e. join the class together with the new sign up. This will allow a continuation of interest & the use of FlexSim.

Vorteile:

It does have easy to use icon bars & links that can piece a simple flow together. Able to generate statistics for basic flow through the simulated data.

Nachteile:

For more complex process with more variable data, it becomes more difficult to use the tools. Need good knowledge of FlexSim to apply the variables required to make the simulation closer to the real process. Without frequent practices & application, the knowledge erodes fast.

Long time Simulation practitioner

Kommentare: We are using FlexSim to evaluate a new production line, everything from equipment capability, line control logic and staffing. The data from the simulations has enabled us to reduce staffing, and equipment requirements.

Vorteile:

Very easy to build a simple model with the 3D Objects. The 3D objects have enough hooks in place to deal with more complex situations as well. There is no need to know programing language. The software is a tool that can be used by both the novice and experienced modeler.

Nachteile:

The users manual is a bit hard to follow, and missing some information. I would like more options for flow item shapes and shapes for resources.

All purpose simulation software

Kommentare: I simulate mining sites (surface and underground), mine-to-port logistics, food and beverage plants, airport baggage handling systems, mechanical workshops, manufacturing assembly lines, distribution centers, distribution networks, supply chains, rail and road transport systems. Very visual although visual can be turned off or ignored, very efficient flexscript language, I can simulate a wide range of industries with a single tool.

Vorteile:

Stunning interactive 3D graphics, full programming capabilities (no external compiler needed), links with Excel and SQL databases, ability to customize anything and develop reusable libraries

Nachteile:

Limited cloud interactivity, too many new important features appearing, company focus seems to be on Process Flow module which is more complicated to use by programmers and less object-oriented

The real possibility to simulate anything

Kommentare: We use Flexsim to develop automatic train traffic regulation algorithm.
We are now extending the trains flow to the passengers flows because we want to improve the quality of service.

Vorteile:

Flexsim offers a wide range of predefined simple object that can act independently. Each object can easily be modified. These concepts allow the user to build any simulation project by putting these objects together.

Nachteile:

The variety of objects and the abundance of options for each object may be a drag on efficiency of the project development. You need to have almost a complete skill with Flexsim to find the easiest way to achieve your goal.

Simulation made easy and intuitive with FlexSim

Kommentare: Great software to introduce Simulation and show-off 3D models.

Vorteile:

Not only does FlexSim has great 3D graphics potential compared to other software applications in the market, but also its simplicity and intuitive modeling structure gives it an edge from the rest.

Nachteile:

While FlexSim is mostly built for an easy point and click modeling approach, modeling complex decisions that require deep programming conditions is not very straight forward as compared to other applications.

Great Simulation Software

Kommentare: I am using FlexSim in academia to teach simulation. It is very helpful to dedicate little time to learn the software and more time on learning simulation. We have worked with industry to build academic examples of their processes to include in our class successfully. It is helpful to have some C programming background when you need to do something advanced.

Vorteile:

Amazing 3D capabilities, easy to learn, you can build a simulation in a short period of time.

Nachteile:

It is hard to obtain raw data since version 6.0, some features just disappear from one version to the next one eg. Conveyors

Awesome software !

Kommentare: Virtualization of a packaging line with a large amount of contraints in order to optimize the production of it.

Vorteile:

- Infinite possibilities - Awesome graphical interface - Huge flexibility - Easy to apply to an industrial environment - Active and professional community on the forum -Add-Ons

Nachteile:

- It is sometimes hard to know how to realise some tasks - Need a serious training before being able to use it correctly

Fully functional 3D simulation modeling tool

Kommentare: Large scale factory simulations for shipbuilding process optimization

Vorteile:

Functionality of teh hybrid model combining process flow detail and modularity with 3D representations.

Nachteile:

Difficult to find adequate help on advanced programming features and functions

Using FlexSim to students as an aide in Health care administration course

Kommentare: FlexSim simulates real life situations well such as emergency room design and outpatient services. It provides a platform for the students to address real life complex situations

Vorteile:

FlexSim simulates real life situations well such as emergency room design

Nachteile:

Time consuming to initially learn how to use the software.

Need drag and drop items that better reflect todays modern factory

Kommentare: Faster learning curve on some things but very challenging (close to impossible) for putting together very basic model on some very simple and common production lines.

Vorteile:

Drag and drop simplicity and learning curve

Nachteile:

The drag and drop items like the conveyors, machines, robots etc. are very basic and simplistic, NOT enough to create a workable model for any factory these days with some very, very serious programming, if at all. This was even more apparent during the 2 extra days I was there after the training to get help for my project. A very simple cell and a very simple machine from the factory I was working at was very challenging for the very highly knowledgeable mentor that I had and eventually I ended up not being able use the models we worked on on those two days. Basically the machines, conveyors, etc should be more close to the types of machinery that are used in todays automated factories. Some examples would be; - Robots having more than one gripper (for example; to swap the finished part on a machine with a raw part) - Machines with multiple fixtures (for example; while the machine is processing the second fixture can be unloaded and loaded, and when the part is finished the fixtures swap places) - Machines that are able to produce multiple parts at once (for example; machine has to wait for 4 raw parts to be loaded on its fixture to start machining them all at once) - Conveyors to have pallets on them (a very common type of conveyor where you have a limited number of pallets circulating on the conveyor in which the raw and finished parts are picked and placed) I would be more than glad to provide more details if needed.

Great software with that lives up to its name of "flex"able and easy to use.

Vorteile:

Can apply to many different processes or types of operations. Great for showing manual and automation processes that work together. Easy to use and train new users on the software. The flexibility of the software has allowed me to show automated processes with manual processes, part movement, and part flow all at the same time. Ability to show how things interrelate on a larger scale.

Nachteile:

Would like to see more drop and drag pre-coding for different types of machining processes. The software is easy to adapt to a wide range of processes and simulate the movement of product however it would be a good feature to have some pre-loaded or base processes to select from and build off of.

Found it to be a great tool that can accomplish much in a short amount of time.

Kommentare: Designing a system before quoting a solution to a customer and using it to present a visual representation of the system during the quoting process.

Vorteile:

Built-in 3D modeling allows quick project set up. The addition of process flow is a powerful tool that helps me follow the logic of a complex model and quickly debug issues.

Nachteile:

The transition from 3D modeling to process flow was not supported well with documentation or examples. There's still a lot of coding involved in using the software at a more powerful level.

Very intuitive and easy to get started. Allows easy customization, enabling complex systems analysis

Vorteile:

Robust 3D capability Dropdown action items, save a lot of development time and are helpful for quckly visualizing processes Flexscript is very powerful, and we use it develop custom logic for manufacturing and logistics models Open SDK

Nachteile:

Run time can be slow for large models, this can generally be overcome by a higher spec computer

Great Sim Tool

Kommentare: Modeling various configurations of material handling and packaging systems in FlexSim has been enormously helpful to the product development arm of my organization in designing new products and systems before we actually have to build them.

Vorteile:

I like Flexsim's flexibility in modeling material handling processes of all kinds and use experimentation to rapidly compare multiple scenarios. Its intuitive to use and easy to run.

Nachteile:

I would like if there could be more variability in some of the robotic and ASRS objects available within the experimentation tool, though there ways around this, so small complaint.

Flexsim for manufacturing facilities planning course

Kommentare: I have used several discrete events simulation packages over the last 20+ years, and Flexsim is the most powerful yet easy-to-use software for plant layout simulation I've encountered.

Vorteile:

Power, flexibility, freedom to customize applications for beginners through pros, legacy models not lost, statistical analysis embedded, excellent customer support, and large, active user group willing to collaborate and share.

Nachteile:

No drawing app included to generate new 3D entities. However, does accept a wide variety of formats from a multitude of CAD packages.

Excellent simulation software

Kommentare: For academic purpose teaching simulation modeling of manufacturing systems involving queuing, job shop production scheduling and inventory problems.
Flexsim has been appreciated by all students and faculty In comparison to the earlier simulation software that we were using.

Vorteile:

Simplicity to use Drag and drop features Less programming knowledge required

Nachteile:

Software is very good however there are few areas for improvement. 1. More tutorials 2. Autohide for Quick Properties toolbar

Simply the best software for simulating any kind of process or operation

Kommentare: I help companies improving their business processes by:
- Simulating a system or part of a system,
- Virtually experimenting with improvement scenarios,
- Measuring results to choose the best scenario,
- All without disturbing the operations.

Vorteile:

Ease of use. Great flexibility for any kind of industry. Support from company who listens to you. Continuous improvement following the best practice and the customer requirements.

Nachteile:

The help file could have a better search engine.

Excellent Customer Support

Kommentare: Having a little bit of programming background i find flexsim easy to use and appreciate the level at which i can customize my model with custom code.

Vorteile:

I attended their training which was excellent. I particularly appreciate the customer service. When i post on the forum i get same day responses. Flexsim is a great piece of software with an insane amount of capability.

Nachteile:

There is still a few bugs. Like when the model is running panning the 3d view is glitchy. The overall interaction with 3d space is clunky but once you learn it its not too bad.

Honest Review

Kommentare: We are able to determine where bottlenecks of conveyance is inside the plant prior to implementation, resolve them, and then launch with less issues.

Vorteile:

The ability to program the software to work in any industry. The capability of being universal yet customize to be very specific is fantastic.

Nachteile:

There are some limitations that would seem to be easy to overcome, like only using rectangles for control areas. Granted, rotating them is possible, but still leaves room for improvement. It would also be nice to be able to import AGV network paths.

FlexSim 2019 Review

Vorteile:

The new logic based processes are very easy to understand.

Nachteile:

Modeling labs are not as visually pleasing as compared to the last software version. There should be same icon choices for the combiners and separators, not just the singular machine icon.

Great, easy to use software with very helpful local customer service.

Kommentare: Great experience. I love the software to validate and show the customer different optimization possibilities in their hospital department.

Vorteile:

It is very easy to learn the basics to create a good working model. When you are using it more often, there are also a lot of opportunities to customize your model. I also really like the Healthcare specific software, since this saves a huge amount of time in building Hospital models.

Nachteile:

Sometimes it is really hard to find your error or mistake in a larger model. Also the results in the dashboards are not always entirely logical to me.

Very useful simulation tool

Kommentare: I used successfully for convincing our customer on Man-Machine ratio for one of the important manufacturing process.

Vorteile:

Very powerful simulation tool, can be used to the extent one can take his imagination.

Nachteile:

Less number of standard 3D images. Getting upgraded every year. Cost wise it is preventing many companies to buy it

FlexSim Review

Kommentare: my flexsim experience has been complex, with high and lows. overall I am happy with the finished product.

Vorteile:

The software is quick to learn with a nice plug and play features. I like the process flow as an alternative to learning a coding language for someone outside of a CS industry.

Nachteile:

there seem to be limitations in areas surrounding the material handling industry that flexsim has not invested time into. This includes new updates to detailed 3D objects.