Creating workflow steps
Starting with version 22.3, workflows can only be created from pre-defined workflow steps. Workflow steps require a step Name and Category as mandatory input. It is advised to assign the category Printing for Printing steps, Processing for all operations required to manufacture the part, and Other for all other steps such as Packaging or Quality checks. The categorization of workflow steps helps in identifying, filtering, and categorizing shop floor operations via the Advanced analytics options.
Creating new workflows from pre-defined workflow steps
Creating a workflow requires giving it a name and optional description first. After creating the empty workflow, pre-defined workflow steps can be added to the workflow by selecting them from the dropdown.
Every workflow step of a workflow can optionally be assigned one or multiple workstations where the operation can be carried out and scheduled on. If not intended to create and schedule jobs with defined starting time and duration, no workstation needs to be created or assigned to the workflow step.
Further, an estimated default duration can be specified for every workflow step, which will be used to calculate an estimated finish date for a part once the total ordered quantity of part is scheduled for production.
Automatic workflow assignment with default workflows
A workflow can be assigned automatically to new parts that are created in the MES. To do so, assign a workflow as a default workflow on the Material settings.
To do so
Open Materials.
Select the material of your choice.
In the General section, go to Workflow Assignment.
Select an existing workflow from the dropdown list.
Save.
Updating workflows created before version 22.3 with new workflow steps
While assigning the old workflows is still valid, workflows existing before the update to 22.3 need to be updated to edit them or perform analytics on these individual steps. To do so users should:
Create all steps present in the current workflows as dedicated workflow steps
Open existing workflows
Edit the workflow steps in these workflows
Choose the right step from the dropdown of created workflow steps
Save all changes
Alternatively, the workflows can also be rebuilt from scratch and set as default for their respective materials. If you encounter any issues while replacing the existing workflows please contact technical-support@3yourmind.com for support.