Creating Production Workflows and Workflow Steps

This guide provides an in-depth walkthrough on managing production workflows in our software, starting from version 22.3. With the introduction of predefined workflow steps, creating and updating workflows have become more organized and efficient. This document covers essential topics such as creating workflow steps, forming new workflows from predefined steps, automatic assignment of workflows, and updating workflows created before version 22.3.

Creating workflow steps

From version 22.3 onward, workflows can only be constructed from predefined workflow steps. These steps necessitate a unique Step Name and Category. Appropriate categories include Printing for printing steps, Processing for manufacturing-related operations, and Other for steps such as packaging or quality checks. Categorizing workflow steps streamlines the identification, filtering, and analysis of shop floor operations via the Advanced analytics options.

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Creation of pre-defined workflow steps

Creating New Workflows from Predefined Workflow Steps

Building a workflow starts by giving it a name, and an optional description. Once the basic framework is set up, predefined workflow steps can be appended to the workflow by selecting them from a dropdown menu.

Each workflow step can optionally be assigned one or more workstations where the operation is executed and scheduled. Unless it's necessary to create and schedule jobs with defined starting times and durations, it's not required to create or assign a workstation to the workflow step.

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Workflow creation from pre-defined workflow steps

An estimated default duration can be specified for every workflow step. This estimate aids in calculating the projected finish date for a part when the total ordered quantity is scheduled for production.

Automatic Workflow Assignment with Default Workflows

Workflows can be automatically allocated to new parts created in the MES. To set this up, assign a workflow as a default workflow on the Material settings. Here's a step-by-step process:

To do so

1. Open Materials.

2. Select the material of your choice.

3. In the General section, navigate to Workflow Assignment.

4. Select an existing workflow from the dropdown list.

5. Save.

Updating Workflows Created Before Version 22.3 with New Workflow Steps

Although assigning old workflows remains valid, workflows existing before the update to 22.3 need to be updated for editing or performing analytics on these individual steps. Here's how to do it:

1. Create all steps present in the current workflows as dedicated workflow steps.

2. Open existing workflows.

3. Edit the workflow steps in these workflows.

4. Choose the correct step from the dropdown of created workflow steps.

5. Save all changes.

As an alternative, you can completely rebuild the workflows and set them as defaults for their respective materials. For any issues experienced during the replacement of existing workflows, please reach out to our support team at technical-support@3yourmind.com.