Operations Overview

Operation records identify the distinct, measurable work activities required to complete one specific task. Operation records are composed of a set of Elements, which you can use Condition records to conditionally assign to the Operation. In turn, Elements are composed of a set of Sub-Element records, which you can also conditionally assign.

The diagram below provides an example of an operations record.

Labor standards engine calculations

When WM submits a request for labor standards information, the LM system launches the labor standards engine (LSE). This diagram shows the LSE, standards calculation process:

  • Based on the WM task type, the LSE uses the operation chooser records to determine which Standard Operation record to use. This diagram shows the operation chooser process.
  • The operation record identifies a set of standard elements that make up the operation. The LSE determines which of these elements to apply based on any conditions and frequency units. This diagram shows the operation process.
  • For each qualified element, the LSE:
    • Determines which sub-elements to apply based on any applied conditions
    • Computes the total time for each qualified sub-element
    • Accumulates the total time for all sub-elements

    This diagram shows element processing.

  • The LSE calculates the total time for all of the qualified standard elements.

    If necessary, the LSE calls the distance engine to calculate travel time for travel-related elements. This diagram shows a standards calculation.

  • The LSE returns the standard time value to the WMS.

Each of the components of the Operation record is described in this section.