Production Orders Overview

Use the Production Order functions to enter, record, delete, edit, import, and manage the production order entry process. You can generate production orders from sales (if the Sales Order module is installed and interfaced) or RP (if the Requirement Planning module is installed and interfaced), or you can enter them manually. Once you enter it, you can edit each order release to adjust for the changing environment on the shop floor.

  • Use the Production Orders function to create orders and enter individual releases against them, as well as to release orders online, if that option is available to you.
  • The Generate Orders from Sales function uses the same logic as the Sales Order Analysis report when looking at existing sales orders and generating production orders from them, except it creates production orders instead of just reporting what orders will be created
  • Use the Release Production Orders function to release orders to production. This is an optional step to release orders.
  • Use the Change Order Status function to perform mass status change of production orders.
  • Use the Edit Released Orders function to reconfigure the structure of the production order release, which creates a separate working bill of material (BOM).
  • Use the Prioritize Order Releases function to adjust the sequence of production orders in the same manner that you adjust the sequence of production processes in Dispatch Production.
  • Use the Dispatch Production function to alter the sequence of production through the various operational steps that make up the routing.
  • To pull material components from stock and record machine and labor use, use the Record Production Activity function. You can also backflush all or part of any production order through this process.
  • If you choose to record time ticket information, use the Record Labor Time function, which is based on payroll time cards.
  • Use the Production Activity Journal to view production activity sorted by order/release number or fiscal year/period.
  • Use the Post Production Activity function to post the production activity information to the manufacturing history system and General Ledger, as well as to clear completed jobs. The GL interface is optional.

To aid in understanding the process of generating and releasing production orders (aka work orders):

  • A production order can be entered through the Production Orders function or generated from sales orders using the Generate Orders from Sales function. The status of a production order entered this way will be New or Planned (New = Planned).
  • A production order must have a status of Firm Planned or Released (Firm Planned = Released) before you can release it using the Release Production Orders function. You must manually change the status of the order to 'Firm Planned' or 'Released'.
  • In order to perform a batch release of orders, if available, the order status must be Firm Planned or Released.
  • Once a production order is released, you can pick parts to it or issue an order traveler for it. This is sometimes referred to as "exploded" or "generated". The status of released orders is In Process.
  • You cannot record production activity against a production order unless the status is In Process.