Merging modules

Functions and use

The so-called Merging is a technique to optimize

• the complexity and
  
• the performance
  
  

of factory layouts in visTABLE®. It is based on the general concept of Hierarchical Layout Planning. In this concept, bottom-up model combinations or constellations are defined and merged as modules to be available as a Layout Object in a higher hierarchy level. This is useful from the methodical point of view to be able to minimize the number of layout objects per hierarchy level in a manner that the Layout Optimization Methods implemented in visTABLE®touch for structuring factory layouts optimally and also participatively.

Typical model combinations that should be merged are:

• Shelves with contents (containers, pallets, coils, etc.) worth to be visualized in 3D for visualization purposes.
  
• Work tables with (work) equipment installed thereon (e.g. bench drilling machine, floor stand grinder, container), and office workplaces (e.g. combinations of writing desk, chair, PC, keyboard, rolling file cabinet) and similar standard workplaces which are often used in layouts.
  
• Straight walls consisting of single elements, and (where applicable) the individual doors, gates, windows, etc..
  
• Straight roads composed of individual elements.
  
• Manufacturing islands which are represented in the plant layout for visualization and are to be positioned there in accordance with the material flow by way of layout optimization.
  
• Model combinations consisting of the catalogs workplace configuration tool, roller conveyors or catalogs with a similar modular structure of a relatively high granularity.
  
  

Furthermore, better use can be made by the power of the hardware when representing the layouts.

Procedure

After the 3D Preview for a module has been opened, the Merge button is displayed in the middle at the top. Clicking on the button starts the process to merge the module components inseparably with each other; a (single-piece) model results.