Splits

Split nodes are used to route material from a single upstream connection to multiple downstream paths. They represent points in your process where flow can take different directions, such as parallel machines, alternate processing steps, or diverging conveyors.

In ReliaSim, splits distribute material using either proportional or priority-based routing. With proportional splitting, flow is divided according to defined percentages, making it useful for balancing material across parallel paths. With priority-based splitting, downstream connections are ordered by importance, and material is routed to the highest-priority available path first. This allows you to model preference-based routing, such as sending material to a primary machine whenever possible and falling back to secondary options when capacity is limited.

Split nodes are commonly paired with merge nodes to represent parallel processing. Material is split across multiple branches, processed independently, and then recombined downstream. This pattern is useful for modeling parallel equipment, inspection loops, or alternative process routes.

When building a model, splits should represent meaningful routing decisions rather than minor layout details. Starting with simple proportional or priority rules is often sufficient, and you can refine routing behavior later as needed. Replay is especially helpful for observing how material distributes across branches over time and for identifying imbalances or underutilized paths.