Entity()

Entity-Specific System Function

Syntax samples

ENTITY({<expression>})

ENTITY()

ENTITY(Var1)

Description

Returns the name-index number of the current entity or a particular entity in an entity group. This function is especially useful in macros and subroutines that vary depending on which entity calls them. Use ENTITY() to determine what type of entity is processing when an entity type of ALL is specified at a location. For example, if a common area handles several different parts with essentially the same process, use an IF...THEN statement in conjunction with an ENTITY() to have individual statement blocks handle the details of the operation. This function returns an integer.

Valid In

Speed fields, traveling time fields, conveyor speed fields, Resource fields, operation logic, routing fields, arrival logic, debug user-condition field.

Components

<expression>

The number of the entity in a group to inspect. For example, ENTITY(3) returns the name-index number of the third entity in the group. If this option is omitted, the name-index number of the calling entity is returned.

Example

All cars from the motor pool must be washed after use. All cars except vans require ten minutes to wash, and vans require an additional ten minutes. The logic below models this situation.

Process Table

Routing Table

See Also

ENT() and LOCATION().