Building Models

Welcome to ProModel > Using ProModel > Building Models

Building Models

Models are created by completing the necessary modules selected from the Build menu shown below. Each module consists of various edit tables and dialog boxes used to supply model information. A layout window also appears with graphical tools for placing locations, path networks and other modeling elements.

Modules may be completed in any order and with any amount of switching back and forth between modules. However, with certain exceptions, it is recommended that modules be completed in the general order in which they appear in the menu. For example, it is usually best to identify and place locations in a model, and define the entities to be processed at those locations, before actually defining processing logic. This is generally accepted since processing logic describes the flow of entities from location to location and the operations performed on, for, or in behalf of entities at each location.

Edit Tables

Edit tables, such as the Locations edit table, are used extensively throughout ProModel for defining model elements. Edit tables provide direct access to model data without wading though several levels of dialog boxes. Each table consists of records, which consist of fields describing some aspect of the element. Many of these fields have heading buttons you can click (or select and press F2) to open a dialog box for further definition of the particular element.

Dialog Boxes

Dialog boxes are used throughout ProModel for selecting options. The Decision Rules dialog box shown below contains additional information regarding a location.

Logic Builder

The Logic Builder in ProModel provides a quick and powerful way to create and insert valid statements and expressions in logic windows or fields. It takes you through the process of creating statements or expressions, as well as providing point-and-click access to every element defined in your model. The Logic Builder handles the syntax for every statement and function, allowing you to define logic by simply filling in the blanks.

To access the Logic Builder, click the right mouse button in any edit box which accepts an expression or anywhere inside an open logic window. You may also click the Build button on the logic window's toolbar.

Model Merging and Submodels

Another extremely useful feature in ProModel is the ability to merge two or more models into one larger model. This supports the concept of modular model building, where models are created and tested in modules, and then joined together to produce a final model.

The use of sub-models further allows you to build common model elements such as work cells and place them repeatedly in a model. The elements of each sub-model (i.e., locations, entities, resources, etc.) may all be given a common prefix or suffix to differentiate them from the same elements of another sub-model.

For more information on merging models, see Model Merging.

On-Line Help

Regardless of where you are in the model building process, the on-line help system is available to provide context specific definitions and instructions. The help system can even run in the background, allowing instant access to help whenever you need it.

Like all Windows applications, you can locate the help you need quickly using the standard help tools.