Stages in the factory

A stage is a group of process steps wherein stages define the sequence of production in the factory. Each stage is an operation within the factory that requires to be scheduled. The combination of stages and product groups define a structure on the product model. This structure is defined in detail for process steps and individual products. A distinction is made between these product flow types:

• Main product
• By-product (both outflow)
• Inflow product

These are the stage types that determine the nature of the main products in that stage:

• End stage

  This stage is used for end items and is the last stage in a route of stages. Production requirements and sales orders are related to this stage type. Inventory is not managed for this stage; only the processing of the product is scheduled. If you are manufacturing bottles of olive oil, when the bottle stage is complete, there is no outflow or tank associated with the bottle stage.

• Coupled stage

  This stage schedules the processing and stores the product. The storage is scheduled in tank resources. A coupled scheduling between stages is possible through the tank schedule.

• Decoupled stage

  This stage is used for raw materials and packaging materials. In this stage scheduling of the processing and storage of the product is done. The storage is scheduled as an inventory point. The inventory point is replenished based on inventory levels. Process and enabling resource groups can only be related to this stage type. Decoupled stages are not linked to tanks.

• Depletion stage

  This stage is applicable for by-products wherein scheduling of the depletion and storage of the product is done. The storage is scheduled as an inventory point. The inventory is depleted based on inventory levels. Process and enabling resource groups can only be related to this stage type.

• CIP stage

  This stage is used for clean-in-place batches. You can select this type of stage when creating a CIP step. This stage type is similar to a decoupled stage. Consequently, only decoupled main product groups and decoupled main products can be used.

You can use one of these steps to find stages:

• Use the standard entry window by selecting Stages from the Products menu.
• Select a stage and click the Outflow or Inflow option to select all stages before or after the selected stage.
• Search on type using the Select type list.

You can use these tabs in the Stages Entry window:

• General: To view the basic information related to stages.
• Scheduling: To specify the information related to scheduling batches and restrictions. The options are set to default when creating inflow.