Workstation Type
The Workstation Type functionality in the new release of ERPNext provides smart job assignment across multiple identical Workstations. It provides the ability to group workstations by their type (e.g., CNC Machine, Lathe, Assembly Line) and automatically allocate operations to existing Workstations of the same type, enhancing efficiency and saving on manual allocation.
1. Generating Workstation Type
A new Type Workstation can be added at:
Enter the name of the type of workstation (e.g. Laser Cutting, Drilling, Welding, etc.) and save it.
2. The use of Workstation Type on Workstations
When a Workstation Type is created then this can be associated with related Workstations:
Path:
Click on the Workstation. * In the Workstation Type field, choose the correct type. * Save the document.
This configuration places Workstations in the same functional category, which will be utilized later for auto-assignment during manufacturing.
3. Connecting Workstation Type within the BOM
To allow ERPNext to automatically assign Workstations by type upon Job Card creation, define the Workstation Type within the BOM's Operations tab:
Path:
- Navigate to the Operations table.
- For every operation, choose the appropriate Workstation Type rather than a particular Workstation.
- Save and Submit the BOM.
4. Automatic Workstation Allocation in Work Orders
Once the above configurations are completed:
When a Work Order is submitted and created from a BOM containing Operations with allocated Workstation Types, ERPNext will:
Create Job Cards for all Operations.
- Assign an available Workstation from the set of Workstations in the given Workstation Type automatically.
This automatic scheduling allows for best utilization of resources and avoids manual assignment of Workstations, particularly in multi-machine environments with several identical machines. This functionality is also very beneficial in high-volume or multi-machine parallel production environments where good load balancing across many similar machines is a key requirement.