There is a Part Type Code in MAX called a Tool part – Type “T”. This part type has some very useful functionality and it may be of use to you.
The reason why you use a “T” part type is because you have the need to pick and use tools in the process of manufacturing. You would like to track them coming in and out of inventory tool location in the shop. You want to cost them if you build them or procure them and you would like to observe their requirement though screens in MAX.
Well, the use of Part Type “T” does just that. Here is a quick instruct to assist you in implementing Part Type “T”.
1) Add a Stock Location called “Tool” or some such identifier for the Tool inventory location.
2) Add the Tool Parts and Designate a Commodity Code for categories of tools or a more general one i.e. Gages, Molds, Forms etc.
3) Optional: Add a GL Reference-Override 3 Character Code to the Chart of Accounts to specifically capture transactions for Tool Part Types.
4) Create product structures attaching them
5) Next you’ll want to add cost information for the Tool part and there are a few things you need to look at.
First, if you are going to manufacture the Tool part then there is a bit more setup. Basically, you follow the standard setup and configuration you would for a normal manufactured part.
You would:
· Add a product structure connecting the raw materials components – the “T” part
· Add material and labor cost for the components (material) and (labor at the “T” level) .
· Add a routing step or steps to the “T” part and enter run and setup times for tool creation.
· Make sure in the Accounting Tab that the part has a Cost Type of “A”. This is because you’ll have raw materials connected to the “T” part to build it.
· Do a low level code run
· Do a Cost Roll
· IMPORTANT: COSTS AT THE LEVEL OF THE “T” PART DO NOT ROLL TO THE ASSEMBLIES THEY ARE ATTACHED TO. THEY RETAIN THEIR COST AT THEIR LEVEL.
The idea here is: why would you include value in the standard cost of the product for fixed assets or items you plan to expense. There are other schools of thought on this but you have several options to control these cost through isolating the parts in their own inventory location, orders, GL Reference etc.
If you are not going to manufacture the part then set the Cost Type to “M” and add a material and labor cost as needed.
When you evaluate the need for the tool part you would then 1) Create a shop order 2) Issue the raw materials 3) Post operation completion /scrap and finally 4) Receive it to stock.
Once you have done the above setup you are ready to begin using the tool part.
With the “T” part attached to a product structure you can now run the MRP Explosion. MRP will not create PL Planned orders but it will create requirements for you to represent the need for the tool.
You are expected to review the “T” requirements in the MRP detail screen. As well, it makes good sense to create a report to identify the need for “T” parts. This is done by creating a report that selects all requirements from the Requirement Detail file for Part Type “T” from the Part Master table.
Another item of note is that RQs that are generated for “T” part are influenced by the Qty Per on the bill of material like any other part. Thus the quantity that you see on the requirement may not be correct or could potentially over estimate what is actually needed for the Tool. Nonetheless, you can adjust and evaluate the needs for the “T” parts through reports and the MRP Detail screen and also in the Order Shortage (check box to include Tool parts) and the Detail screen there as well.
After you have evaluated need for Tools, you can add POs and Shop Orders for the “T” part.
The final aspect of the Tool Part Type is the use of it on the Part Routing. By selecting Operation Type “P” (part identifier operation) the system then asks you to enter the Tool Reference. This is the Tool part number. You may select from any Tool part in the system or check the components only check box to only browse those “T” part that are on the Bill of Material.