SyteLine 8.02 – Configurator Procedures

SyteLine 8.02 –Configurator Procedures

Overview

Creating a new configurable items involves the following procedures:

  1. System Administrator Defines:
  2. F-BOM Blank Character (usually comma)
  3. Create Feature Option: Yes or No (No to prevent saved configurations)
  4. Global Feature Template (preferably not defined -- defìne at item-level)
  5. Outline the Base ltem (System)
  6. Determine Groups, Options, Exclusions (restrictions)
  7. Determine Template Format
  8. Create Feature Groups
  9. Group Name
  10. Group Description
  11. Qualifier Mask (location in template)
  12. Define as Mandatory or Optional Group
  13. Define Each Group's Options (Include Strings)
  14. Define the Base ltem
  15. Add the Item Nì¡mber
  16. Set P/lvf field to M (manufactured).
  17. Set the Stocked field to N (no).
  18. Define the MRP/Planning parametert
  19. Set the Planning Flag to Y (yes).
  20. Define the Feature Template (see 2b, above)
  21. Define the Current Operations for the Base ltem
  22. Define the Current Materials for the Base ltem.
  23. Add all options of all groups (in order of template).
  24. For each option, speciff Group Name and Option Name (code).
  25. Rank the Groups of the Base [tem.
  26. Define Each Group's Exclusions (Exclude Strings)
  27. Run the Feature Group Verification Ut¡l¡ty
  28. Test Order-Entry Process; Debug via Exclude Strings

Terminology

Term / Definition
Base ltem / The top-level item; a system. (e.g., TMP6000 Marking system).
Group / Similar, selectable components within the base item. (e.g., controllers).
Options / Choices within a group. (e.g., TMC100, TMC102, TMC400, TMC700, etc.).
Include Strings / Statements that define each valid option within the groups.
Exclude Strings / Statements that exclude an option from a group when a higher-ranked option is chosen. For example: when a 25-cartridge is chosen exclude 101 and 150S pins
Templates / String of Xs, separated by dashes that define order of group names in its definition.
For example:
CTL-PC-OSW-CART-RPIN-REG-MANL is represented by
XXX-XX-XXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXX-XXXX
Qualifier Mask / String of place-holders, without dashes, that define the character position(s) of the group name in the template. For example: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXis masked as:
. . . . .XXX* )
Qualifier String / A code string of characters that represents a specific configuration stored at the item level, that represents all of the chosen options from all of the groups.
For example:
XXX-XX-XXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXX-XXXX is the template
CTL-PC-OSW-CART- I PIN-REG-MANL represents the groups, and
100-DT-STD-P205 -2230-FRR-O&M0 represents the configuration

Notes and Guidelines

Groups

  • Define a group only if there is a choice, but remember: "skip" may be a valid choice. Ifyou don't get a choice, then you don't need a group!
  • If you can share the item across templates, then you only need one group (as with computer)
  • Shared groups must occupy the same relative position in all templates
  • If you cannot share the item, then you need separate groups (as with software)
  • You can pick and choose between shared groups and unique groups
  • Groups that are mandatory in one system and not mandatory in another system cannot be shared. (Define items as optional within group level Include Strings, e.g., [ . . . . ,,)
  • More groups result in less exclude strings
  • Less groups result in more exclude strings

Templates/Masks

  • Templates are limited to 55 characters (includes dashes)
  • Masks are limited to 40 characters (excludes dashes)
  • Non-mandatory items are optional items

Rank

  • Rank determines the sequence the groups will be displayed to the user during order entry.
  • Rank determines where Exclude Strings are placed; always defined in the lower-ranked group.

Include/Exclude Strings

  • Every valid option in the feature group must have one Include String defined.
  • Think of a skip as a separate choice (e.g., Item A, or ltem B, or neither=3 choices)
  • Exclusions (restrictions) placed within the lower-ranked groups (e.g., if higher-ranked choice is X, then exclude this lower-ranked choice)

Misc

If the System Administrator sets Create Feature Option to “Create,” orders can be allowed to be saved as specific configurations. SyteLine will automatically appenda suffix to the base item number (e.g., 18420-0001). However, this option complicates/confuses MRP functions.

ECN activity deletes items from their defined sequence in the list, but adds (appends) new items to the end of the list. You can activate the BOM Seq. field then write custom reports to sort on the BOM Seq. field. Recommended Custom Reports include:

  • INDENTED BOM REPORT sorted by BOM Seq. field
  • SINGLE-LEVEL BOM REPORT sorted by BOM Seq. feld
  • OPERATION LISTING REPORT by BOM Seq. field

Can create a "phantom" kit (as for manuals), so that when Sales orders "kit", they really order the content of the kit (i.e., a manual set). Set up phantom kit with a dummy operation to include all manuals in the set.

Procedures

Pre-Configuration Setups

Pre-configuration setup is performed by the System Administrator.

  1. Access the Inventory Parameters screen by going to Modules / Inventory / Files.
  1. Double-click the Inventory Parameters icon to display the Inventory Parameters screen.

  1. On the General tab, set the F-BOM Blank Character (a comma is preferred). This character defines a global place-holding character that indicates an object in the Feature Template is skipped.
  2. Set the Create Feature option. (No Create is preferred).This option permits/disallows a configuration to be saved during order entry.
  3. Select Create to automatically save the configuration and append a suffix (-00x) to item number.
  4. Select Prompted to prompt the user to save the configuration when order is created.
  5. Select No Create to disallow the saving of configurations during order entry.
  6. Define the Feature Template. This is a global template that defines the feature mask for all configured items.
  7. If base item (system) may/will use different templates, leave this parameter blank. (preferred)
  8. If all base items (system) will use the same template, define a globalmask (e.g., xx-x-xx-x-x).
  9. To save these parameters, click the Save button.

Outline the Base Item (System)

Outlining the base system is performed by the Product Manager with the assistance of Product Development.

  1. Determine the scope of the base item (system configuration).
  2. Define what singular items comprise the system --items that are required and do not offer options.Example: Marking Head
  3. b. Define what groups comprise the system. Example: Controllers, PC, Software, Cartridges, Pin Types, Regulators, Manuals.
  4. Define the options (selections) within each group, including the choice of not selectingan option. Example: Desktop PC, Laptop PC, or no PC.
  5. Assign a meaningful, brief qualifier string (option code name) to each option – maximum of 8 characters. Example: Controller options include: 100, 102, 400, 700. Software options include: STD, VDS.
  6. Assign a meaningful, brief name for the group, using no more characters than the longest qualifierstring (option code). Example: controllers = CTL software = OSW.
  7. Define the restrictions (exclusions). Example: If a 25-cartridge is chosen, exclude 101 and 150S pins as selectable options.
  8. Determine the Base Item Template format.
  9. Arrange the groups in order of importance, higher rank-to-lower rank (where applicable).Example: CTL-PC-OSW-CART-IPIN-REG-MANL
  10. Determine Template Format using Xs for each character of the group name and with group names separated by dashes (-).
    Example: CTL-PC-OSW-CART-IPIN-REG-MANL = XXX-XX-XXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXX-XXXX

Create Feature Groups

  1. Todisplay the Feature Groups screen, go to Modules / Material / Product Definition.
  1. Double-click the Feature Groups icon. The Feature Group screen displays.

  1. To add a new feature group, click the New button or press CTRL+N.
  2. In the Feature field, enter the Feature Group name (8 characters maximum; fewer characters is best). Example: REG may be used to represent all regulators, allowing 3 characters for qualifier strings (codes)
  3. To define the group as Mandatory, select the Mandatory check box. Personnel must select an option from this group during order entry.
    If the group is optional, keep the check box cleared. This option defines the entire group as optional and allows the group to be skipped during order entry.

NOTE: Groups that are mandatory for system and optional for another cannot be shared!

  1. Enter a Description for the feature group. Example: TMP6000 Filter/Regulator Units
  2. Enter the Qualifier Mask. Defines where this feature group resides in the feature template --its relative position.

NOTE

If a feature group is shared among base items (systems), its mask characters must occupy the same relative position within the base items' feature templates.

Do not count dashes in the template -only mask characters!

  1. Press the period key to space over to the appropriate character position.
  2. Type an X for each mask character.
  3. Type an asterisk (*) to end (delimit) the mask.
    For example, if the feature group you are defining is the third object in the feature template (XX-X-XX-X-X), enter …XX* to indicate the feature group occupies positions 4 and 5.
  1. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each group of the base item (system).

Define Each Group's Options

Define the qualifier characters that create the options displayed to the user during order entry on the Feature Group Qualifier screen. Here you will define the Include (I) and Exclude (E) Strings for the options in the feature group.

  1. To Display the Feature Group Qualifiers screen, on the Master Explorer, select Module / Material / Product Definition.
  1. Double-click the Feature Group Qualifier icon.

NOTE

Every valid option in the feature group must have one Include String defined.

  1. Select the Feature Group name.
  2. To add a qualifier, click the New button or press CTRL+N.
  3. Defìne the Include Strings.
  4. Select the lnclude push button.
  5. Click on the X position of the mask.
  6. Type the qualifier mask (code string) that defines the option. Example: The group “PC” may have four choices:

(not wanted) / defined as: / I . . . ,,* / (not wanted) commas define itemas optional;may skip
F/RFR / defined as: / I . . . DT* / Standard desktop (DT) computer
F/RL / defined as: / I . . . LT* / Laptop (LT) computer
F/RFRR / defined as: / I . . . G, * / Gateway (G) computer (note the single character, G, in a two-character mask)
  1. Repeat step 5 for each option in the group.
  2. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each group of the base item (system).

Define the Base Item

t. Display the General Planning Item Screen (click "Material", "Product definition", "ltem maintenance")

  1. To access the ltems screen, from the Master Explorer, select Modules / Material / Inventory.
  2. Double click the Items icon.

  3. The Items screen appears.

  1. Click the filter button to bring up records.
  2. To create a new item record, click the New button, or press CTRL+N.
  3. Enter the base item (system) part number.
  4. Set the Source field to Manufactured.
  5. Do not select the Stocked check box.
  6. Set all other fields and parameters, as applicable.
  7. To save the record, click the Save button.

Define the MRP/Planning Parameters (SL5)

To display the MRP Planning Screen (click the planning file folder)

Set the Planning Flag fietd to Yes (þ.

This parameter is what forces the order entry person into Configurator.

NOTE

The Feature String represents a specific configuration. System confìguration may/will change with each order.

Enter the Feature Template. (click on the controls file folder)

This defines the structure (syntax) of the groups within the system (e.g., XX-X-X).

5. Set all other fields and parameters, as applicable.

Define the Planning Parameters (SL8)

  1. On the Items form, select the Configuration tab.

  1. Select the Configuration Flag check box to indicate that this item is a planning item.
  2. The Feature String represents a specific configuration. The System confìguration may/will change with each order.
  3. Enter the Feature Template. This defines the structure (syntax) of the groups within the system (e.g., --).
  4. Click the Save button to save the record.

Define the Current Operations for the Base Item

  1. To display the Current Operation screen for the base item, in the Master Explorer select Modules / Material / Product Definition.
  1. Double click the Current Operations icon.

  1. In the Item field, select the item and click the filter button (magnifying glass icon on the toolbar).
    The item displays.
  2. To add an operation for the assembly, click the New button or press CTRL+N.
    NOTE: If the New icon is not Active, go to the Items screen, and verify the Revision Track check box is cleared.
  3. Enter operations for the base item.
  4. To save the Operation record, click the Save button or press CTRL+S.
  5. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 for each operation for the assembly.

Define the Current Materials for the Base Item

  1. To display the Current Operation screen for the base item, in the Master Explorer select Modules / Material / Product Definition.
  1. Double click the Current Materials icon.

NOTE

It's best to enter all options of one group, then all options of the next group, and so on. SyteLine will create the listing in the order in which you define the items. By entering options, group-by-group, you can force SyteLine to keep the groups/items organized in the listing ¡t generates.

  1. To retrieve the item, select the Item and click the Filter button (magnifying glass)
  2. In the Feature field, select Feature Group Name.
  3. Enter the item's Option Code.
  4. Set the items Probable parameter. This requires Sales/Marketing input --is used for MRP.
  5. Set the items Incremental Price (if applicable). This number can be a positive or negative incremental value that is added/subtracted when specific item is ordered.
  6. Set all other fields and parameters for the item, as applicable.
  7. Repeat steps 3 through 8 for all options of the group, then the next group, and so on.

Rank the Groups of the Base Item

The rank determines the sequence the options will be displayed to the user during order entry. The rank alsodetermines where the Exclude strings are placed in the Group Qualifiers screen. The Exclude strings are always defined in the secondary (lower-ranked) group. That is, you define when to exclude an option based on a previous selection made for a higher-ranked option.

NOTE: The operation level of the group is also used in determining the rank. For example, a group ranked 8thunder Operation Level 10 is ahigher-ranked group than one ranked 1stunder Operation Level 20.

  1. To access the Feature Group Ranks screen, in the Explorer, go to Modules / Material / Product Definition.
  1. Double-click the Feature Group Ranks icon.
  1. To generate the Group Rankings, click the Generate button.SyteLine will automatically rank ail groups alphabetically by Operation level.
  2. To re-arrange the rank as required, click the Rerank button. SyteLine displays the Feature Group Reranks screen.
  1. Press the up/down arrow key to select the desired group.
  2. Repeat (a-c) until all groups are satisfactorilyranked.

Define Each Group's Exclusions

Define the Exclude (E) strings for the oprions in the feature group.

l. Display the Feature Group Qualiliers Screen. (ctick,.View,r, ..Files", ..Feature Group eualifiers,)

2. EdilFind (ctick"Ed¡t',..Find").

3. Enter the feature group name.

Or Type "?" to display list.

4. Edit/Add (click "Edit", "Add")

5. Define the Exclude Strings.

a. Click the exclusion radio button.

b. Press the arrow key or move pointer to move to the first X position of the mask.

c. Type the code string that defines the option to be exctuded.

d. Press the arrow key to move to the first position in the mask of the higher-ranked option which drives

the exclusion of this option. For example, cartridges may be ranked higher than relulators. If thecartridge mask occupies positions 9-12, move to position #9 in the Exciude string.

e. Type the code string that defines the higher-ranked option that drives the exclusion.

Example: (

If cartridge is plastic, exclude FRLs. [f metal, exclude FRRs. The group "REG,'has TBD exclusions:

E MT. . . FR* exclude FR when cartridge is metal (MT)

E pL. . . FL* exclude FL when cartridge is plasric (pL)

E . .p025. . . . FRL* excrude FRL when cartridge is prastic (p02i)

E

E

.

. . M025. . . -FRR* exclude FRR when cartridge is metal (M025)

' M101. . . . FRR* exclude FRR when cartridge is metal (Mr0r)

E . -. M150. . . -FRR* exclude FRR when cartridge is metal (Mr50)

6. Repeat step 5 for each exclusion in the group.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each group of the base item (system).

Run the Feature Group Verification Utility

The Feature Group Verification utility ensures: o there is no overlap of group masks

.all groups contain at least one Include String . all groups are ranked

l. Run the Verification Utility (click "Utilities", "Feature Group Verification,')

2. Edit/Update (click "Edit", "Update")

3. Bnter the starting Base ltem (system) number, then press ENTBR.

4. Entcr the Ending Base Item (system) number, then press ENTER.

5. Edit/Process (click.,Ed¡t"r..Process")

6. Select OK, then press ENTER.

SyteLine will run the Feature Group Verification.