Consumption

In most manufacturing operations, input materials are transformed into output materials, consuming inventory in the process. Infor MES supports two methods of consumption to support different use cases.

Consuming unknown quantities

This method is used when the input material is consumed over time, without a direct connection between the input and output. It involves tracking the points in time when materials are input and output. As process latency increases, the connection between input and output becomes less precise.

Plastic injection molding
Input materials are consumed into the molding machine, replenished as needed, and output pieces are created asynchronously.
Beverage can making
Material for spraying into cans is replenished based on reservoir levels, occurring asynchronously to pallet creation. The machine setup affects the actual amount sprayed.

Consuming known quantities

This approach is applied when the precise amount of material input into a process is known. The Bill of Materials (BOM) specifies expected consumption, but actual quantities may differ. It's crucial to capture actual usage not just at process completion, but each time material is used. MES requires knowledge of the exact quantity used from each input and the amount for each created output. Examples include:

Weigh and dispense
Input material is accurately weighed from multiple sources, all of which contribute to one batch represented by a single output.
Serialized assembly
Material in the form of pieces is consumed without uncertainty, such as assembling serialized components into serialized parts.

Process configuration

Inventory is input on a machine within a line, configured to allow input at the point of use in real-time. Unlike ERP systems, which may issue materials to an order with a delay, MES records input immediately. The decision between the two consumption methods is fundamental and can vary within the same process based on material traceability types.