Key tasks: Set up a work cell for lean manufacturing

Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

You can configure resource groups to function as work cells where process kanban jobs for lean manufacturing are performed. Kanban jobs are then assigned to the work cell that is defined on the referenced process activity.

The procedure for setting up a work cell includes the following tasks:

What do you want to do?

Create a production flow model

Configure a work cell

Configure the capacity settings for the work cell

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Create a production flow model

When you set up a work cell for lean manufacturing, you must assign a production flow model. The production flow model defines the capacity settings that are used to schedule kanban jobs. The production flow model also defines how the schedule for the work cell is structured and displayed in the Kanban schedule board.

1. Click Production control > Setup > Lean manufacturing > Production flow models.

2. Click New to create a model.

3. In the Model type field, select the method that is used to measure capacity for the work cell.

4. Define the every product every (EPE) cycle. This is used to calculate the period when a kanban job is scheduled.

5. In the Kanban schedule tab, define the following settings:

   • In the Capacity shortage reaction field, select the method of scheduling to use when no capacity is available during the required period.

   • The parameters that define the structure of the kanban schedule for a work cell.

6. Save the model.

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Configure a work cell

1. Click Organization administration > Common > Resources > Resource groups.

2. Create a resource group. See Set up and define resource groups for operations resources for more information.

3. On the General FastTab, select the Work cell check box to define the resource group as a work cell.

4. In the Locations field group, select the default warehouses and locations that you want to use. The Input warehouse, Input location, Output warehouse, and Output location fields are mandatory.

5. If you want to track direct labor costs, you must define a run time cost category. On the Operation FastTab, select a category in the Run time category field.

6. On the Calendars FastTab, assign a working time calendar and expiration date.

   Tip

   You must complete this step before you can create a version of a production flow. If you do not assign a calendar, you cannot activate the version and an error message is displayed.

7. If the work cell is managed by a subcontractor, you must assign a vendor resource to the work cell. On the Resources FastTab, in the Resource field, select a resource that has the type, Vendor.

8. Save the work cell.

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Configure the capacity settings for the work cell

1. On the Resource groups form, on the Work cell capacity FastTab, click Add to define a period during which the capacity of the resource group can be used for lean manufacturing.

   Outside of these periods, the capacity of the resource group can be used for non-lean manufacturing.

2. Select the production flow model to use for the work cell. The model defines how the capacity of the work cell is measured. This field is mandatory.

   If you want to measure the throughput of the work cell, you must also define the Capacity period, Average throughput quantity, and Unit fields.

3. Enter the dates to define the period when the capacity of the work cell is in effect.

4. Save the settings.

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Production flow model (form)

Resource groups (form)