Conversion Icon
Conversion nodes are used to change the units of material as it moves through a ReliaSim model. Their primary purpose is to represent transformations where input material is converted into a different form or measurement downstream—such as parts to cases, weight to count, or raw material to finished units.
A conversion node applies a defined conversion ratio between its input and output, allowing you to model processes where quantities change even though flow continues. This makes conversions especially useful for representing packaging steps, material transformations, or any operation where the unit of measure differs before and after a process step.
Conversion nodes do not limit flow on their own. Instead, they act as a logical transformation within the model, working alongside constraints and buffers that control rate and capacity. For example, a constraint may define how quickly material is processed, while a conversion node translates that output into a new unit for downstream steps.
Conversions are often placed immediately after processing or packaging operations to ensure that downstream nodes receive material in the correct units. Keeping unit changes explicit in the model helps maintain clarity, especially in systems where multiple unit types coexist.
When building a model, conversion nodes should be added wherever material meaningfully changes form or scale. As with other node types, it’s best to focus on capturing real process transformations rather than cosmetic unit changes. Starting with simple conversion ratios is usually sufficient, and these can be refined later as your understanding of the process evolves.