Order Detail – When the new order button is selected an order detail screen is displayed.  Sales and work orders can have templates setup that display the inventory groups usually associated with a given type of order.  A look up function includes the ability to multi-select inventory items from a listing of existing items.  For job shop type applications the PD system can assign new inventory assembly numbers based on a predefined set of rules.

Production Tasks – At the time of order creation production tasks are created based on the setup tasks that are part of the selected process template.  These production tasks and associated subtasks are the equivalent of a routing in a traditional manufacturing control system:

·      These production tasks are assigned an initial overall job status that controls which reporting areas will see the tasks.  Certain tasks can be set up to change job status and make tasks visible to additional reporting areas.

·      Production tasks are linked and durations calculated based on the corresponding setup task configuration.  These assumptions can be overridden for specific orders.

·      For tasks with linked assembly kits the user double clicks on the task block to display the task detail with the material kit displayed (see material kits below). 

·      Tasks setup with subtasks can be configured such that original, current, and actual hours are rolled up from subtasks assigned to this task.

·       Percent completion of parent task (if this feature being used) is based on total current (scheduled) hours versus actual hours completed.   

• For the case where an assembly wasn’t predefined prior to order save, the user can either specify a “similar to” assembly part number or build a new assembly with the assistance of pre-setup templates.
• The system automatically keeps track of needed assemblies and subassemblies based on quantity entered in the order detail and qty per kit of parent assemblies.
• After components have been picked the “Qty Produced” input box is white and user can enter the quantity produced.  Selecting the save button will add assemblies to the work in process inventory of the next scheduled reporting area and remove the components from this area’s work in process inventory.  If all scheduled assemblies are produced the task status is set to “Complete”.  If the scheduled qty of assemblies has not been built the task status is set to “In Process”.
• Integrated scrap reporting and associated disposition control is configurable depending on the customer’s quality assurance procedures.

• Permanent subtasks appear on all future orders or projects using the parent task.  The user can delete these sub tasks if not applicable to that particular order or project.
• Temporary subtasks are specific to a given order or project and will not automatically appear on future orders or projects.

• Each subtask can have original (quote), current (scheduled), and actual hours assigned to it. Actual hours are input using built in labor reporting screen. 
• Once job is underway normally only current and actual hours can be updated (original hours can be overridden by a designated administrator if desired).
• Actual hours for a resource against a given subtask are input via PD View or the optional Web Time Sheet.
• A resource can be assigned to each subtask. This resource is used for planning purposes and to populate a users “to do” list in PD View. Other resources can be reported against this subtask as actual hours are reported. This can be an alternate person or equipment.

• New orders start with the Order Detail screen as described above.
• The order summary area is pre-configured to include the necessary input fields for required order summary information utilizing Saros Form Setup. The user fills in all pertinent information including the request date.
• The standard tasks are highlighted in blue, optional tasks needed to support material needs are automatically highlighted.  The user can right click on other optional task blocks to include a task in the order.
• The user selects “Save” on the main screen and the job is created. The create process saves the job information, creates the job tasks, schedules the tasks, and launches linked processes as applicable. If the end date does not meet requirements the user can view the tasks in summary by clicking the “Task List” button. Durations and/or task linkages can be modified in this screen and then the job resaved to adjust schedule. Linked processes will automatically be updated and the effects of these linked processes are automatically included in determining possible schedule.
• Double clicking on an included task block brings up the task detail screen. User can also view same screen from the PD View module. Tasks that include assembly material kits include a header area with assembly information and detail area with material kit information. Tasks that include subtasks display any permanent subtasks assigned for a prior job. Assumed task hours and resource links can be modified as required.
• The user can view the job (order or project) status as they proceed by pulling up job (a search is included) into this module or by using the PD View module. Task status is color coded in the process flow chart highlighting hold or late tasks for immediate action.