Online Documentation: Implementation Guide
Discrete vs Non-Discrete Parts
It is important to know the difference between Discrete and Non-Discrete Parts when
you configure the system. On the general tab of the
Part Definition Dialog you can define if
Part Records will be Discrete or Non-Discrete.
- Discrete Parts
Discrete Parts are Part Records that
can only have a quantity of 1. It is best to use the 'Discrete' option on the Part Definition if you want
to have individual traceability for single tangible parts.
You can make parts traceable by assigning Unique ID's
(Serial Numbers)
Some examples:
- Any part with an individual traceability requirement (anything with a serial number).
Any other part can be defined as Non-Discrete.
- Non-Discrete Parts
Non-Discrete Parts are Part Records that
can have any quantity larger than zero. It is best to use the 'Non-Discrete' option
on the Part Definition if you
have parts that do not need individual traceablity or if you want trace batches
of parts.
Some examples:
- A batch of glue
- A bag of screws where you want to track the batch number and or supplier
- Any other parts where traceability is not a requirement
Parts, Batches and Lots
The use of Discrete and Non-Discrete is closely related on how the system handles
Individual Parts, Batches and Lots. Furthermore it is important to know if Traceability is a requirement.
- Individual Traceable Part
Define the
Part Definition as Discrete, and configure a Step Definition that will assign
Unique ID's to the Part Records that will move through the Step.
- Individual Parts or Batch without traceability requirements
Because traceability is not a requirement it is recommended to define the Part Definition
as Non-Discrete. This way multiple parts will be combined into a single Part Record,
preserving system memory.
- Batch with Traceability Requirement
Define the Part Definition as Non-Discrete, and configure a Step Definition that
will assign a Unique ID.
- Lot
A lot is defined as a grouping of individual traceable parts. So define the Parts
as Discrete, and use the Lot Object to group the parts
into a traceable lot.
Part Conversions
By using
Input - Output constraints on Step
Definitions the Part Definition
of Part Records can change when a
Traveler moves out of a Step Definition, either to an other Step Definition
or to Inventory. This way it is possible to convert Discrete parts into Non-Discrete
parts and vice versa.
Some Examples:
Consumption
Discrete and Non-Discrete materials are consumed differently. A Non-Discrete
Part Record can be consumed by multiple other Part Records, while a Discrete
Part Record will always be consumed completely.
Read more about material consumption.