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[Meenakshi Singh]

Hi,

What are MPS/APS systems available within NAV or as an add-on that integrates with NAV that will allow us to do long term regenerative production planning for items that run on multiple routes? Looking to implement one in my company and would love some experienced guidance.

Thanks,
~Meenakshi

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Meenakshi Singh
Manager of Business Applications
Home Market Foods, Inc.
Norwood MA
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[Ben Baxter]

Meenakshi,

To ensure we provide the best answers, can you please clarify what you mean by “Multiple Routes”?  I’m going to assume this is an alternate route based on Machine/Component availability.  It could also be selecting specific Machines within a Work Center based on capacity, which has a different answer.

An example of my assumption is a process that goes through 5 slower operations, but the planner selects an alternate route which only requires 2 faster operations (but on more costly work/machine centers).

When you are running the Planning Worksheet it will pick up the demand and suggest the supply (using your default route).  The planner is involved in deciding if the suggestion allows the company to meet its delivery requirements.  If the standard suggestion is causing the supply to be complete after the required date, you could select the Alternate Route to use the faster, more costly operations to try to meet the time requirement.  This same change can be made on the Production Order as well, then refresh the Production Order.

Changing to the alternate route will change the expected cost of the Production Order, and usually cause variances to the standard cost.

Please let me know if this is the “multiple route” you were looking for information on, or if you have a different meaning.

Best Regards,

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Ben Baxter
Consultant
Accent Software, Inc.
carmel IN
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[Meenakshi Singh]

Hi Ben,

Yes, your assumption is correct multiple routes per the availability.

We are looking for a system that allows you to give an item – multiple routes for production, and the system dynamically picks the route to use based on availability and other use constraints.

Meenakshi

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Meenakshi Singh
Manager of Business Applications
Home Market Foods, Inc.
Norwood MA
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[Ben Baxter]

Defining Multiple Routes can be handled by using Router Versions.  The trick being in the multi-route environment, the BOM is often changed based on the Route selected.  This means adding a link between the BOM (Versions) and the Route (Versions).

For the clients with this requirement, we did not automate the selection of the Routes.  They use their default Route/BOM, and have the ability to select an alternate.  Selecting the alternate also selects the alternate BOM, since they are linked.

We did look for a pre-built solution for this, but did not find one.  We also don’t run across it enough to justify creating a standardized solution.  Your best bet is to discuss the need with your Partner and try to stay with as much base-NAV functionality as you can.

Best Regards,

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Ben Baxter
Consultant
Accent Software, Inc.
carmel IN
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[Jason Nicolaou]

I agree with Ben there is a connection point that is required between the routing and BOM to make this functionality work.  There is another technique which will require your production team to be very disciplined.  If the BOM is somewhat consistent, let’s say 8 out of 10 items are the same regardless of the route.  Then you could only include the 8 as the default BOM and then the operators will need to manually consume components 9 & 10.  This will also impact your planning process because NAV won’t see the demand when the production order is launched.  A somewhat accurate item forecast could combat (not solve) the planning issue.    

As far as dynamically selecting the route, OOB NAV does not include any of that logic.  If you find an ISV that works well for this function please share with the group.

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Jason Nicolaou
Engagement Manager
Sikich, LLP
Dublin IL
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[Meenakshi Singh]

Thank you both for your insights. 

I will be sure to share what we will end up with. Thanks again!

~Meenakshi

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Meenakshi Singh
Senior Manager ,Business Applications
Home Market Foods, Inc.
Norwood MA
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