Creating Work Plans (Routings)
Routings can be created automatically by the Product Configurator through Routing Calculation Templates, or manually in Business Central. This page describes both approaches and explains the key fields involved.
Automatic Creation via the Configurator
When a product is configured, the configurator evaluates the Routing Calculation Template associated with the BOM Calculation Template. The routing template uses formulas that can reference product properties (such as dimensions) to dynamically calculate operation times. The result is a routing tailored to the specific configured product.
This process happens automatically during configuration — for example, when configuring from a sales line or from the Production Routes page.
Manual Creation
To create a routing manually:
- Choose the
icon, enter Routing, and then choose the related link. - Choose + New to create a new routing.
- Fill in the header fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| No. | A unique identifier for the routing |
| Description | A description of the manufacturing process |
| Type | The routing type: Serial (operations run in sequence) or Parallel (operations can run simultaneously) |
| Status | Controls whether the routing can be used in production (New, Certified, Under Development, Closed) |
- Add routing lines for each operation:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation No. | The sequence number of the operation |
| Type | Whether the operation uses a Work Center or a Machine Center |
| No. | The identifier of the work center or machine center |
| Description | A description of the operation |
| Setup Time | Time required to prepare the work center for the operation |
| Run Time | Time required to process one unit |
| Wait Time | Waiting time after the operation (e.g., for drying or cooling) |
| Move Time | Time to move the product to the next operation |
Work Centers and Machine Centers
- Work Centers represent production areas or departments where operations are performed. They define capacity, direct unit costs, and scheduling parameters.
- Machine Centers are specific machines within a work center. They allow more detailed capacity planning and cost tracking at the individual machine level.
When the configurator generates a routing, it assigns work centers and machine centers based on the Routing Calculation Template configuration.
Combining Production BOMs and Routings
Production BOMs and routings work together to provide complete manufacturing instructions:
- The Production BOM defines what materials are needed.
- The Routing defines how the product is manufactured — the operations, machines, and time required.
When a production order is created, Business Central combines both to plan material requirements and schedule production operations.
Assigning a Routing to an Item
To use a routing in production, it must be assigned to an item:
- Choose the icon, enter Items, and then choose the related link.
- Open the item card.
- In the Routing No. field, select the appropriate routing.
For configured products, the configurator assigns the routing automatically through the Production Routes setup or during the configuration process.
Tip
Use the Routing Calculation Template to define routing operations with dynamic time formulas. This ensures that operation times are automatically adapted when product dimensions change.