© ETON SYSTEMS

Administration - Setting Up a FIFO Buffer After Loading

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💬 This guides assumes you have completed the basic administration guides as well as the creating a buffer operation guide.

A common use case for a buffer is to provide some dynamic capacity after the loading operation, which may be a very quick operation. This enables the loading operator to work in spurts while ensuring that the sewing operators always have a steady flow.

Adding the Buffer Operation to the Production Route

  • Navigate the menu to Administration > Routing > Routes.
  • Select the route "Production" in the list and click the ▶️ button next to the route name to begin editing the operation list.
  • Switch to the "Operations" tab
  • Click the ➕ button to begin adding an operation to the route.
  • In the "Operation" dropdown, select the "Buffer" operation
  • In the input field below the station group dropdown, enter 1004 and press enter. 1004 will serve as our buffer station for this example.
    Adding the buffer operation to the route
  • Click Save.

Position the Buffer Operation

  • Our new buffer operation is added last in the list, we need to move it so it is position right after the loading operation
  • Click and hold on the ≡ icon and drag it into place.
  • The route should now look like the picture below.
    Buffer operation in the route
  • Click Save and confirm in the dialog.

Setting Up the Buffer Station

  • We now have the buffer operation in the route, but station 1004 is not yet configured as a buffer. Carriers will go there after loading but they will not leave the station automatically.
  • Navigate the menu to Station Settings
  • Select station 1004 in the list and click the 📝 button to begin editing the settings.
  • In the "Automation Logic" dropdown, select "Fifo". This will make the station send out as soon as there is free space on the next operation.
  • Enable the "Automatic" checkbox
    Setting up the Buffer Station
  • Click Save

Tips

💡 If you have a user logged in to station 1004, log out first before enabling automatic.
💡 Most buffers do not have a chain. In some cases a station with chain may be used as a buffer although it can be a bit slower.

Testing the Buffer

  • We can now follow the same steps as in the production guide.
  • The difference is that after loading, the carriers will head to station 1004 and from there they will then automatically be sent to 1002 as soon as there is room.