Q: What is Batch Tracking?A: Batch Tracking monitors continuous plant production operations and generates information that represents a batch operation view. Other applications augment this batch view with related quality and process operations information. Batch Tracking provides components that are key to assisting the plant with ISO9000 conformance Assurance Standards
Q: Can Batch Tracking handle multiple batches that reside in the same inventory location at the same time?A: Yes. The equipment attribute BATCH_MIX is assigned to inventory locations where the application enforces only one batch in the location. When this attribute is assigned, a consumed batch identifies the inherited inventory as required. When this attribute is not set (by default) an inventory location can contain multiple batches at the same time and the consumed batch (name) field is not populated. The accuracy of the tracking is compromised, since a plug flow first in-first out (FIFO) consumption of batches from the silo is assumed. When this attribute is assigned, a “consumed” batch will identify the inherited inventory as required. When this attribute is not set (by default) an inventory location can contain multiple batches at the same time and the “consumed” batch (name) field is not populated. The accuracy of the tracking is compromised since a “plug flow” (FIFO) consumption of batches from the silo is assumed.
Q: What can be expected as a typical logic configuration cost requirement of Asset Manager on a percentage basis of the software cost?A: The minimum effort needed to see minimal benefits is one week of configuration. Of course, the more effort put into the configuration of assets with Asset Manager the greater the long-term return on investment.
Q: How are batches tracked?A: The ‘original’ batches are moved into inventory storage equipment, mixed with other materials and/or consumed in subsequent production operations. Each inventory movement, from the ‘original’ batch creation until the material is shipped, is detected and logged by Batch Tracking. Each batch is tracked back to either process equipment. The batch data is ‘chained’ together to source batches and consumed batches allowing for an unlimited number of movements to be involved between the ‘original’ production of the material and the shipment of the material from the plant.
Q: How does Batch Tracking expect a batch to be defined?A: A batch is defined as a mass of material that is contained, measurable and homogeneous. Batches are identified with a reference name, a product name, an amount, and tracking references to production start and stop times, a source batch and/or a consumed batch. The normal starting point and common reference for requesting batch information is either a customer order number or manufacturing batch number.