FlexSim: Custom Objects with Advanced Logic

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When working on industrial plant or logistics system simulations, creating the layout can often be a time-consuming and repetitive process.
In the early stages, the main challenge is not complexity but scale and repetition — building dozens of identical stations, parallel production lines, or long sequences of AGV control points.

That’s where FlexSim User Commands make the difference.

User commands in FlexSim: from repetition to automation

A User Command in FlexSim is a programmable function that lets you automate repetitive modeling tasks.
With a few lines of code, you can:

• create and position objects,
• assign parameters,
• connect layout elements according to logic.

This means you can build entire layout sections with a single click — and reuse them whenever needed.

Imagine having to simulate 30 shelving stations, each with a control point for AGVs, a discharge queue, and a connection to the main flow. Doing this manually is possible, but inefficient.
With a predefined User Command, FlexSim can generate, place, and connect everything automatically — saving hours of work and ensuring consistency.

Accelerating the fast simulation phase

During the fast simulation phase, engineers need a working model to evaluate process times, spatial requirements, flows, and workloads.
At this stage, speed and reusability are key.
User Commands allow you to create quick, repeatable scenarios that help:

• increase simulation ROI,
• reduce time-to-decision,
• standardize layout variations across multiple projects.

These benefits are especially relevant in logistics, material handling, automotive, packaging, food & beverage, and automated warehousing, where time efficiency directly impacts project outcomes.

A smarter approach to Smart Factory design

By transforming repetitive modeling into an automated process, User Commands help engineers focus on optimization instead of manual editing.
They make FlexSim a powerful enabler for Industry 4.0, supporting flexible, data-driven design.

This concept aligns perfectly with the Digital Factory, where simulation, design, and production are interconnected.
For example, using Autodesk Factory Design Utilities, engineers can create 3D layouts in AutoCAD or Inventor and export them to FlexSim for dynamic simulation and process validation.
Combined with User Commands, this integration creates a continuous workflow between CAD and simulation — accelerating iteration cycles and ensuring digital consistency from concept to shop floor.

In short, the synergy between Autodesk and FlexSim transforms traditional layout design into a digital manufacturing process, where every design change can be simulated, analyzed, and optimized before implementation.

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