A resource connection assigns a resource to perform an activity or conduct a move. Resource assignments use connectors as shown below or use action logic. Connectors are fast, easy, and automatically handle the proper collection of statistics, while action logic provides greater control of resource assignments, but requires more effort. To learn more about assigning resources in the action logic see What is a Get statement?
The resource assignment starts when an entity enters the activity or when the entity is released to move on a route.
The Get and Free use the resource for one task (activity or move), then automatically releases the resource for other assignments.
Assign multiple tasks in succession
To assign multiple tasks in succession, use a Get connection on the first and a Free on the last activity. In the example below, the worker is required before an entity can proceed to start process of the three activities. After finishing all three activities and the associated moves, the entity releases the resource and continues in the flow.
Capture multiple resources for a single entity
No individual of a multi-resource request accepts the Get until all units become available. At Cessna Aircraft, airplanes move from station to station during production. Workers push the plane, advancing it to the next position. Union rules require eight people before a push occurs. The information below shows the assignment of eight workers. After finding eight people, the capture occurs, and the move time starts. The assignment of multiple resources must not be confused with the number of resources. The number of resources stays the same.
Assign resources to multiple activities
When captured, a resource becomes unavailable for use by other activities. For example, if Agent1 is performing the activity “Process a Return,” they won’t be able to “Checkout” a customer at the same time.
Prioritize the work
When two or more activities request the same resource, a priority decides the first selected. The greater the number the higher the priority. For example, a call center does both inbound and out bound calls. Queued inbound calls always receive priority over making outbound calls.
Priority entries range from 0 to 99. Selecting the Respond Immediately checkbox make the priority preemptive. A preemptive priority means this request overrides the current work and pulls the resource. To find greater detail about priorities and preemption see What is a Resource Priority?
Alternate resources, resources on different shifts
Multiple or alternative resources may be used for an activity or move. An alternate resource might be coworker that steps in an overwhelming surge, during breaks or lunch, or resources on second and third shift. If the first resource is unavailable then the second resource connection is attempted.
Additional topics
- What is a resource priority?
- What is a resource assignment?
- What is a Get statement?
- What is a JointlyGet statement?
- What is a Free statement?
- How can I change resource priorities during the simulation?
- What is the Skills Matrix?
- How can I simply complex resource assignments?
- How can I balance a line?