Engineering - Product & Project Engineering

This module is designed so that literally anything can be scheduled and linked to form a network of work tasks that the Scheduler generates start and complete dates for each activity.  These activities can be internally performed at a production work center, externally performed by/at a vendor partner, or support scheduling of activities such as ocean shipment.

Material is linked to specific tasks where it is called for, which can be either internal or exterenal.

This unique data structure is illustrated and summarized below:

Key advanced design features of the Engineering module include:

Named Routes - the routing data exists independently of any Part Number.  We learned early in our career that the routing data in ERP systems where the routing is linked to each part number is invariably the most out of date and least accurate data.  Since traditional MRP systems do not use this data for scheduling anything, the set up & run time data becomes mostly a cost accounting interest.

AIMS/ERP has a full-scale scheduling system, and so depends on the accuracy of the routing data to generate an accurate schedule.

We also learned early on that in most production situations there are a fairly small number of material flows - or if not, there should be as a best practice.  This renders much of  the normal routing data redundant and repetitive, so the copy function is needed for data management, except that updating all of the copies becomes impractical.

Exception oriented routing data structure - since routing data is copied into Work Order data stucture, where scheduling is performed, AIMS/ERP allows for a standardized routing flow to be defined, with Part Number specific exceptions to be identified at any step in the flow.  When the routing data is copied into a Work Order, these exceptions are copied, resulting in a Part Number-specific route, but consisting mostly of standardized data. 

Operation Linked Material - purchased material is linked to a specific operation in the route, which may be an internal or external (vendor) work center.  This key design feature enables AIMS/ERP to vendor specific requirements for purchased material, and ultimately is the basis for the Drop Ship Demand & Supply functionality in the Purchased/MRP functions.

The Engineering Management Design Specifications & guide to use may be viewed and/or downloaded via the PDF at THIS link