Product Configuration

Before you start

The process can be started when the following prerequisites are met:

• Number series type 18 and series 1 are entered in program 'Number Series. Open' (CRS165).
• Supporting function Basic Data for Product Configuration is completed.
• This basic data is specified in program 'Settings - Product Configuration' (CRS585).
• An item having configuration code 1 or 2 is entered in program 'Item. Open' (MMS001) and has a product structure to which relevant configuration elements are connected.

Outcome

A product configuration with corresponding orders is created using this process.

Follow these steps

The diagram below illustrates the scope of the process:

1. Customer Requirement

   A customer requirement can be an order, quotation, or inquiry requesting certain information. Such a requirement can be entered in one of the following programs:

   • 'Customer Order. Open' (OIS100) - for customer orders or quotations
   • Work with Project Orders (POS091) - for project orders
   • 'Req/Distr Order. Open' (MMS100) - for general stock transactions.

   An inquiry can be processed using one of the following programs (depending on the information required):

   • 'Availability. Simulate For Material' (MMS085)
   • 'Indented Bill of Material. Display' (PDS100)
   • Work with Costing Simulation - Structure (PCS060).

   A product configuration created for an order is saved. Simulated product configurations and costings are created. A product configuration that has been created for an inquiry cannot be saved.

2. Product Configuration

   Products are configured in 'Configuration. Create' (PDS600). This program is called automatically from other programs when a product configuration is to be created.

   After a product configuration is created, various analyses can be performed, such as analyses of measurements or costs. The product configuration is created through the display of questions in the form of features, found when the product structures were searched. These questions are then answered by one of the valid options, displayed along with each feature. Since questions can be searched for dynamically, only those questions which apply in the different situations need be answered.

   Information to Customer:

   The result of a product configuration can be communicated to the customer. Both the required and calculated answers and results of a configuration can be printed on the customer order confirmation. The results can also be communicated in a delivery note or invoice. It is up to the user to decide on the features, options and drawing measurements to be printed and on which documents. The printed information is presented in a straightforward manner which should be easily understood by the customer.

3. Simulation of a Product Configuration

   A simulated product configuration is comprised of a bill of material and routing based on a product configuration. It is used to create procurement orders for semi-finished products and direct material purchases related to orders. The simulated configuration is also used to introduce changes in customer requirements and to perform costing.

   A simulated product configuration can be created automatically or manually. For more information see procedure Create Simulated Product Configuration Manually.

   If changes are made in the bill of material or routing after the simulated product configuration is created, it can be re-created based on the new information.

4. Manufacturing Order

   When customer requirements are entered, it can be chosen whether manufacturing orders should be released immediately or at a later point. This is done using option 23=Crt MO in program 'Config & Simulation. Open' (PDS605). Regardless of whether this is done immediately or not, the manufacturing order will be connected to the customer requirement. It is also possible to release manufacturing and purchasing orders for semi-finished products and material before a manufacturing order is created for the ordered product. This can be useful when engineering work is carried out directly against a customer order.

   Whether a manufacturing order should be created immediately or not is regulated by field Auto MO in program 'Item. Connect Facility' (MMS003/F).

   Manufacturing orders are created based on the quantities and scheduled finish dates in the simulated product configurations. First, the basic structure as in the product database is used. This is then supplemented with any changes. The manufacturing orders can then be changed in program 'Manufact Order. Open' (PMS100). If a manufacturing order is created forthe top level product, its simulated product configuration has status 50 or 60. This signifies that no more changes can be made and orders on lower level can not be created.

   Internal Information:

   When a manufacturing order has been created for a product configuration, internal information about the configuration can be viewed and distributed. It can be viewed through the dynamic item description in a number of functions in M3. This information can be distributed through general design documents or through the material requisition and labor tickets. In addition, the picking list for the customer order or other printouts can be used.

   It is up to the user to decide on the features, options and drawing measurements to be printed and on which documents. The printed information is presented in a straightforward manner which should be easily understood by the customer.

   Costing:

   Costing is based on the unique product structure of a simulated product configuration can be created. They can be used to analyze contribution margins or costs, for example. When manufacturing orders are released for a product configuration, a final costing is also created which reflects the manufacturing order's unique product structure.

   The customer order and order entry statistics are updated with the latest version of these costings. The costing for a simulated product configuration is displayed as a total in the header. It can be reached using option 5=Display in program 'Config & Simulation. Open' (PDS605) or sorting order 3 in program Display Product Costing (PCS050).