Nodes are the building blocks of every ReliaSim model. Each node represents a meaningful element of your process—such as storage, processing, routing, transport, or material transformation—and together they define how material flows from start to finish. By connecting nodes into a network, you create a system that mirrors the structure and behavior of your real operation.
Different node types serve different roles within the model. Some nodes control flow through rate limits, others provide storage or transport, and others handle routing or unit changes. Certain nodes operate continuously, while others work in discrete batches. Selecting the appropriate node types allows you to capture both the physical layout and operational logic of your process.
When building a model, it’s often best to start by placing the major process steps and constraints, then add buffers, routing, and transformations as needed. Early models don’t need perfect detail—clarity of structure is usually more important than precision. As you refine node properties and connections, ReliaSim reveals how local behavior influences overall system performance.
The following sections describe each available node type and how it is commonly used within a model.