Introduction
With Time Based Auto-Assembly (TBAA), batches of components can be loaded into predefined resource bins to be automatically consumed during the manufacturing process while maintaining full batch traceability.
This capability is frequently used on high-speed or automated manufacturing process, where small non-serialized but batch-managed components are consumed, as seen in a Printed Circuit Board manufacturing process, for example.
In this blog post, we will explore the detailed configuration and utilization of Time-Based Auto-Assembly (TBAA) in SAP Digital Manufacturing.
Configuration
First, create a new Production Process and a new Cloud Process in the "Design Production Processes" app. Add a Start Control and create Input Parameters for Plant, Operation, Resource and Sfcs as follows:
Add the "Auto Assemble" service and map all the necessary Input Parameters accordingly:
Save and deploy it.
Then, choose Additional Options ("...") and select "Edit Header":
To make your Production Process visible in the Service Registry library for calling from other apps, such as POD Designer, switch "Publish to Service Registry" to "ON":
Next, define how the "Auto Assemble" Production Process will be triggered during the manufacturing process. This can be accomplished in various ways, such as using a Business Rule or an Action Button in POD Designer.
You can create a Business Rule to trigger the "Auto Assemble" Production Process automatically as soon as an SFC is started, using the "Manage Automatic Triggers" app, as follows:
Here, you can define an Event Type like "SFC Started," which will trigger an Action to call the "Auto Assemble" Production Process with the necessary Input Parameters when specific conditions are met:
These conditions may include filters for Plant, Resource, Work Center, Material, and others.
Alternatively, you can call the "Auto Assemble" Production Process from an Action Button in your POD.
To do this, add the "Auto Assemble" Production Process to an Action button like "Start" in POD Designer and map the required Input Parameters as follows:
Next, Bins must be created for Resources in the "Manage Resources" app:
This can be done manually or automatically:
Where:
Add from BOM: Allows you to create a resource bin structure based on the BOM.
Add Manually: Allows you to create a resource bin structure manually.
Once created, Bins can be loaded and unloaded in the "Load Resource with Components" app:
Multiple Inventory IDs can be loaded and remain in a queue for a given Resource/Bin combination:
Each Inventory ID can represent a different batch, which will be consumed in the sequence it's queued for each Bin in the "Load Resource with Components" app.
Execution
The Time-Based Auto-Assembly (TBAA) setup is now complete, and you can test it by producing an SFC in an Operation Activity or Work Center POD. This will trigger Time-Based Auto-Assembly after starting the SFC, either via the POD Button or the Business Rule previously configured:
Once the SFC is started, if all goes well and "Auto Assembly" is successfully triggered, check the "Required Quantity" and "Remaining Quantity" columns in the "Assemble (Component List)" plugin to confirm that the components have been automatically assembled and consumed:
You can also verify that the "Auto Assemble" Production Process was triggered in the "Monitor Production Processes" app:
And that the components were properly assembled and consumed in the SFC Report.
Remarks
- Time-based Auto Assembly (TBAA) is not supported for routings with relaxed flows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Time Based Auto-Assembly (TBAA) in SAP Digital Manufacturing presents a powerful solution for enhancing efficiency in high-speed and automatic manufacturing processes, such as Printed Circuit Board manufacturing, while ensuring full batch traceability throughout the production cycle.
It's important to note that TBAA may not be suitable for all production scenarios, particularly those with relaxed flows in their routings. Nevertheless, for those looking to optimize efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure consistent quality in their manufacturing operations, Time-Based Auto-Assembly can be very useful.
In summary, SAP Digital Manufacturing's Time-Based Auto-Assembly offers a reliable and efficient solution to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, delivering precision and traceability in every batch.
Experiencing SAP Digital Manufacturing
You can have a glimpse and experience several aspects of SAP Digital Manufacturing via the Interactive Value Journeys below:
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Thanks,
Manoel Costa