Default Process Chain

A default process chain defines a standardized logistical delivery concept from the dock to the production/assembly line. It defines the number of stages and the processes carried out at each stage and the transport processes, such as loading and unloading processes. In addition, the category of the means of transport - route train, forklift or AGV - is selected there and it is determined whether there is an empties transport.

The following basic functions are available in the Default Process Chain Editor submodule:

1. Adding a new standard supply chain
2. Renaming a newly created/existing standard supply chain
3. Duplicate a standard supply chain. The original standard supply chain is copied 1:1. The processes and stages are arranged in the same way.
4. Delete a standard supply chain.

If for some reason the wrong standard supply chain has been deleted, it can be restored. This is only possible if the submodule has not been saved between saving and restoring a standard supply chain.

Creating a default process chain

When you create a standard supply chain, the display is as follows:

To the stages (1):

A layout level must be defined for each level. This is selected using the layout levels defined in the layout structure in the Layout Editor submodule (see screenshot).

To the transport containers (3):

Two different transport containers - load carriers and load units - are currently available to the user.
The input type of the transport container on the following level is always defined by the output type of the transport container on the preceding level. In this example, the output container at the set level is a loading carrier, since a loading carrier is also transported from the warehouse t to the set.

To the transports (5):

There are two different types of transport selection. Route stands for a transport with the route train, always consisting of tugger and trailer.
However, if the transport is carried out with a forklift or AGV, the term Direct must be defined in the ComboBox.
As soon as this selection has been made, the previously red area appears green.
In the case of direct means of transport, this must be selected. In the case of transport with a forklift, the selection of the worker for the means of transport is also mandatory.

The values defined in the standard supply chain for worker and direct means of transport are transferred directly from the default process chain to the supply chain. There, values for the direct means of transport and, if necessary, the worker can be manually adjusted again.

For empties transports (4):

There is also the option of taking empties transports into account. More information can be found here.

As of Release 2019-01, you can decide at a later date whether empties are to be taken into account in planning for standard supply chains that have already been assigned.

For the processes (6):

Stage processes as well as loading and unloading processes can be defined for each stage. This is done via the button + worker process / + loading/unloading process below each stage and each transport (see 1).
The process is added and is highlighted in red as long as it is not completely defined. For stage processes, the worker (see 2), the process (see 3) and the reference value (load carrier, loading unit or part, see 4) must be entered. For loading and unloading processes only the process has to be defined (see 5), a worker cannot be defined.
A worker can also be assigned several processes. Several operators can also carry out different or identical processes at one level.
If a process has already been created, another process can be added via + Process (see 6).

The data for selecting the workers and the percentages for calculating the distribution times come from resource management, the process names and times from process element management.

For the Layout Level regarding Layout Structure:

The user receives a direct proposal for the material area in the downstream supply chain editor if in the Logistics Quantity Framework in the columns "Material area 1", "Material area 2", ... an area name from the layout is specified. For stage n, the area is displayed that is stored in the Logistics Quantity Framework for the part number as "material area n".

Attention: If an LQF with material areas (material area 1-10) is imported or re-imported and there is a mismatch between the stages of material areas from the LQF and the assignment of the Layout Level in the default process chain, then following behavior is expected:

• The state of the created supply chains is undefined (red warning icon)
• The frame of the concerned material area comboboxes of the supply chain stages is colored in red
• No content (material area from LQF) inside the material area comboboxes is set/displayed for the concerned supply chain stages
• The user sees a warning icon + a warning text "Mismatch with Layout Structure"
• When the user hovers on the warning icon following text is displayed for the user:
  • Case 1: Auto-Assignment Area from LQF and assigned Layout Level in default process chain do not correspond in their stages value
  • Case 2: Manually Assigned Area and assigned Layout Level in default prcoess chain do not correspond in their stages value

Note:

When a default process chain is deleted, it must be saved in order to apply the changes. If only the SVK is deleted via the Delete button, the change can be undone via Discard.

Default process and disposal chains for grouping chains can be changed even if the grouping chain is in use.