Rockwell Automation Arena Users Guide - Manual (Page 145)

C • U SING V ISIO AND A RENA
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The property values that you define via the custom dialog boxes are stored with the indi-
vidual shapes. When you transfer the process map to Arena, these parameters are used for
simulation.
Add data shapes
To define the data modules (e.g., Entity, Resource) for the model of your process, you
place shapes directly in the drawing for each of the elements you want to define. When the
individual data shapes are transferred to Arena, they will not appear in the model window,
but will be added to the appropriate spreadsheets instead.
For example, if processes in your flowchart are performed by resources named Clerk and
Supervisor, you would place two Resource shapes and specify their characteristics (cost,
capacity) by opening the property dialog boxes.
Simulate the process map in Arena
By using the Process Simulation stencil in Visio, you can define, document, and commu-
nicate your business processes. When you want to predict how your process will operate,
examine it for bottlenecks, and compare possible changes to make informed decisions,
you can transfer your process map from Visio to Arena, where the process will come to
life with simulation and animation.
Check the drawing
While you’re working with your process map, you can check it for any missing or incorrect
data or connections. To check your drawing, use the Check Drawing item from the
Simulate menu. After the drawing has been examined, a list of any warnings/errors is
displayed, as shown below for a drawing that has a connector that is not glued at both ends.
You only need to
add the data shapes
if you want to
change any of the
default values.
Otherwise, they are
not needed in the
Visio drawing; they’ll
automatically be
added to the
spreadsheets when
you transfer the
drawing to Arena.