Multi-Level Tracking
The Multi-Level Tracking function determines whether tracked
structures are mandated during the production of tracked material (lot/batch
tracked and/or serial tracked items). When the Multi-Level Tracking check
box is:
- When the Multi-Level Tracking check box is selected, strict enforcement
is enabled to ensure that tracked structures are built prior to or during the
receipt process. Serial numbers or lot/batch numbers for the part being
produced must be reserved prior to receipt. There is strict enforcement of the
quantities that can be received with a given lot/batch -- they may not exceed
the quantity associated with the reservation for that given lot/batch. The
receipt of a serial tracked part always has a one to one match with a serial
number.
- When the Multi-Level Tracking check box is cleared, the
restrictions described above are no longer enforced. Tracked structures are
not required; therefore, there is no need to reserve serial or lot/batch
numbers prior to receipt for the part being produced. In fact, for an
order-based lot-tracked part, the system will automatically generate the
lot/batch numbers during the receipt process (provided you have not manually
created any lot/batch reservations for the order). The check box being
unselected also releases the strict enforcement of the quantities that can
be received, providing the ability to over-receive when yield is better than
expected, without the need to increase the order and/or lot quantities.
Effects of altering the multi-level tracking setting
For maximum flexibility, you are allowed to change the Multi-Level Tracking check box
setting for a given part
under the following conditions:
- Clearing the check box: You can clear this check box at any time except when a multilevel repair shop order
exists in Reserved
or Started status. If this this check box is cleared, it will trigger the removal of any existing
reserved structures for the open shop orders of the specific part provided
that the shop order is a non multi level repair shop order. This will
have no affect on the existing as-built structures of any material received
previous to the change. Note: If you want the completed as-built
structures removed, you will have to reverse the shop order receipts which
placed them into inventory.
- Selecting the check box: You can select this check box only when there are no open shop orders
exist for the given part which has processed and received into inventory.
For all cases in which a change is allowed, the user will receive a
message providing a short explanation of the ramifications of the
change and then will be given the choice of whether or not to proceed with
the change.
Caution: When a setting like this, which impacts functionality, is used in IFS Applications, there must
be safeguards and restrictions put into place to
prevent users from creating data corruption or other unwanted problems within the system. We have
implemented those safeguards and restrictions
in this case but have done so in such a way that is not
extremely rigid or restrictive. This setting is not meant to be changed back and
forth from on (selected) to off (unselected) frequently.
Example: Avoid this type of scenario
The functionality is designed to handle the normal business scenarios we could envision.
Therefore the
advise is to avoid the following scenario and variations thereof.
- Process a shop order for a lot tracked part with the Multi-Level
Tracking setting off (unselected) through to a Closed status. Update the
Multi-Level
Tracking setting to on (selected). Re-open the order. Un-receive a partial quantity,
then re-receive that same quantity. The following error will prevent you
from closing the order either at the time of the receipt or when you attempt
to close the order (depending upon whether you have the shop orders' close
code set to Auto Close or Manual Close): Reservation for lot
may not be deleted because a reserved structure exists.
- If the close code is set to Auto Close, the simplest way to
process the order would be to change the close code to Manual Close and process the receipt. From this point both cases can be handled as
follows:
- Open the Shop Order Graphical As Built window.
- Search for the order.
- In the tree structure pane, click Expand Descendents.
Then, select each component line and click Remove
Tracked Component until all component lines have been removed. Now
the order may be closed manually.
This scenario was included because it is the only one we are aware of which
may cause a user confusion. The best way to avoid this situation would be to
reverse all of the receipts and re-receive everything on the order.
More information
For more information about tracked structures and the different types of part tracking, follow the
appropriate link:
About Part Serial
Handling, About
Lot/Batch Tracking, About Component Lot
Rule
About Tracking Parts
and About Multi Level
Repair.