Batch quantity

Batch quantity is the quantity of main product that flows out of a process batch expressed in the unit of that product. You can define minimum, standard (default), increment and maximum batch quantities for each product in its process step. These quantities are checked against tank and process resource maximum and minimum weights and volumes when you apply scheduling functions like join, split, and check schedule.

There are a few ways to constrain batch quantity through hard constraints (resources), process step definition, and product rules.

• Resource constraints can occur if there is conflict between the maximum weights, volumes, or batch duration of the resources.
• Process steps:
  • Minimum quantity: A check is done for the minimum quantity using Check Schedule or if surplus is allowed, if quantity required is less than the minimum.
  • Standard quantity: This is the default quantity. This is the preferred quantity unless required quantity is less than this.
  • Increment quantity: This only works with Allow Surplus is checked; batch quantity only be incremented with this quantity.
  • Maximum quantity: This is the maximum allowed for the process step.
• Product rules can also constrain batch quantity:
  • Tank batches have inflow from at most one process batch (at the process step).
  • Orders cannot be split in an end stage.
  • Joining is not allowed (from the Create Inflow window).

Batch quantity can be altered in the batch entry window after it has been created. If you reduce the quantity, part of the planned inflow is also removed (depending on the status of the inflow batches). The quantity of one or more batches can also be changed using the join, split, and distribute functions for tank batches.

Reducing batches, accessed from the Batches menu, makes selected batch quantities smaller according to their inflow shortage or outflow surplus.