FlexSim Simulation Software Course

Lesson 1 • Fundamentals of Discrete-Event Simulation

Covers simulation types, event-driven logic, and real-world modelling principles. Establishes conceptual grounding needed for all FlexSim work.

Lesson 2 • Building and Running a First Model

Guides students through creating a minimal working model from scratch. Reinforces interface skills and introduces the run-and-observe cycle.

Lesson 3 • Navigating the FlexSim Interface

Introduces the FlexSim workspace, toolbars, and panel layout. Students gain confidence moving through the environment before building models.

Lesson 1 • Processors and Service Logic

Explains processor setup including service time distributions and output routing. Connects processing logic to real workstation behaviour.

Lesson 2 • Queues and Buffers

Covers queue capacity, discipline rules, and buffer placement strategies. Students learn how queuing behaviour affects throughput and wait times.

Lesson 3 • Connecting and Routing Objects

Demonstrates port connections, routing logic, and conditional branching. Accurate routing ensures entities follow intended process paths.

Lesson 4 • Model Validation Techniques

Introduces methods for verifying that model behaviour matches intended logic. Validation prevents compounding errors in later analysis stages.

Lesson 1 • Task Sequences and Dispatching

Teaches how task sequences control resource behaviour step by step. Dispatching rules determine which resource responds to which request.

Lesson 2 • Transporters and Conveyors

Explains transporter configuration for material movement and conveyor belt setup. Students model automated and manual transport systems accurately.

Lesson 3 • Resource Pools and Shared Resources

Demonstrates pooling multiple resources for shared use across process stations. Shared resource modelling reflects realistic labour and equipment allocation.

Lesson 1 • Random Streams and Seed Control

Covers random number streams, seed assignment, and replication independence. Proper seed control ensures reproducible and statistically valid experiments.

Lesson 2 • Using the Distribution Fitter

Demonstrates FlexSim's built-in distribution fitting tool with real data sets. Fitting observed data to distributions improves model credibility.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Variability in Systems

Explains why deterministic models fail to capture real system behaviour. Variability in arrivals and service times drives the need for statistical inputs.

Lesson 1 • Built-In FlexSim Statistics

Surveys automatically collected metrics including throughput, utilisation, and wait time. Understanding default statistics accelerates initial performance assessment.

Lesson 2 • Warm-Up Period and Steady-State Analysis

Addresses transient bias and methods for identifying the warm-up period. Steady-state analysis ensures output data reflects true system performance.

Lesson 3 • Replication and Confidence Intervals

Covers running multiple replications and computing confidence intervals for output. Replication-based analysis quantifies uncertainty in simulation results.

Lesson 4 • Dashboards and Charts

Teaches dashboard creation with time plots, bar charts, and pie charts. Visual dashboards communicate model behaviour to technical and non-technical audiences.

Lesson 1 • Comparing Alternatives Statistically

Applies paired comparison and ranking methods to evaluate scenario outputs. Statistical comparison prevents selecting inferior alternatives due to random variation.

Lesson 2 • Design of Experiments Principles

Covers factorial design, factor levels, and response variables for simulation experiments. Structured experimental design maximises insight from limited simulation runs.

Lesson 3 • Scenario Manager Fundamentals

Introduces the FlexSim Scenario Manager for defining and running multiple scenarios. Scenario management enables systematic comparison of design alternatives.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to FlexScript

Introduces FlexScript syntax, data types, and basic control structures. FlexScript enables custom logic beyond what graphical configuration alone can achieve.

Lesson 2 • Global Tables and Data Management

Explains global table creation, population, and lookup within model logic. Global tables centralise data management and support complex decision rules.

Lesson 3 • Labels and Entity Attributes

Teaches label assignment, reading, and use in routing and processing decisions. Labels attach custom attributes to entities, enabling differentiated handling.

Lesson 4 • Triggers and Event-Driven Logic

Covers on-entry, on-exit, and on-reset triggers for injecting custom behaviour. Triggers allow models to respond dynamically to entity and time events.

Lesson 1 • Results Presentation and Recommendations

Teaches how to structure findings, visualise results, and deliver actionable recommendations. Effective presentation translates simulation insights into organisational decisions.

Lesson 2 • Project Scoping and Data Collection

Guides students through defining project objectives, system boundaries, and data needs. Clear scoping prevents scope creep and focuses modelling effort effectively.

Lesson 3 • Model Validation with Stakeholders

Covers face validity, historical data comparison, and stakeholder review sessions. Validation builds confidence that the model represents the real system.

Lesson 4 • Conceptual Model Development

Teaches process mapping and conceptual model documentation before building in FlexSim. A documented conceptual model reduces rework during construction.