About Batch Segments

A batch segment is part of a batch. Batches exist because of their two principal segments: outflow and inflow to and from other batches. Each segment has a start time, an end time, a quantity, and a capacity. Start times and end times of the principal segments determine the time links between coupled batches. The start time of the outflow segment of a process batch is the start time of the inflow segment of the subsequent tank batch. Batch segment defaults, including basic batch color, are entered when creating a process step, while individual batches can be edited in the tank and process batch entry dialog boxes. The colored shading used to distinguish batch segments from one another is not editable.

You can stretch the duration of a batch by doing the following: press the Ctrl key and point your mouse over the end of a batch on the planning board. The cursor changes and then you can click and drag to stretch the duration. The result depends on the method of the batch. This feature is useful for manipulation of setup, changeover, and slack or waiting time. In a number of cases, nothing happens because the main segments follow the flow segments of coupled batches.