Routing in manufacturing management is the process of defining the specific sequence of operations required to produce a finished product. It outlines the path that materials and components follow through various work centers and machines within the production facility, from the start of production to the final product. Routing is essential for efficient production planning, ensuring that every step of the manufacturing process is executed in the correct order and with the right resources.
Operations Sequence: Defines the order in which tasks or operations must be performed (e.g., cutting, welding, assembly).
Work Centers: Identifies the specific machines or production areas where each operation takes place.
Time Allocation: Specifies the estimated time required to complete each operation, including setup time and processing time.
Tools and Resources: Lists any special tools, equipment, or labor needed for each step in the process.
Defining Operations: The first step in routing is identifying each operation needed to produce the product, including detailed descriptions of the tasks at each stage.
Assigning Work Centers: Once the operations are defined, each one is assigned to a specific work center or machine where it will be performed. This ensures that the correct equipment and location are used at the appropriate stage.
Setting Time Standards: For each operation, setup time (time required to prepare for the operation) and run time (time to complete the operation) are recorded. These time estimates are crucial for production scheduling and capacity planning.
Sequencing Operations: The operations are arranged in a logical sequence that defines the production flow, ensuring that materials pass through each stage in the correct order.
Resource and Tool Allocation: Finally, the routing process includes specifying the tools and resources (e.g., labor, machinery) needed at each step, ensuring that all necessary items are available to complete the tasks.
Efficient Production: Routing ensures that every operation happens in the correct order, minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput.
Capacity Planning: It helps manufacturers understand the capacity of each work center and plan accordingly to avoid bottlenecks.
Cost Control: Routing allows for accurate cost estimation by tracking labor, machine time, and resources used in each operation.
Quality Control: By standardizing the process flow, routing ensures consistency and helps maintain product quality across production runs.
In ERP systems like SIX ERP, routing is integrated with production planning and scheduling, providing a structured workflow that optimizes the use of resources and time.