Operations

Define products, processes, and tasks with routes, segments, and resource requirements.

Operations are the core configuration element in the Scheduler. They define any product, process, task, or function that requires scheduling. Everything in the data model links back to an operation.

Navigation

Scheduler > Data Templates > select a template > Operations

What is an Operation

An operation consists of:

Component	Description
Operation Definition	The name and description of the operation
Routes	The unique sequences of steps (segments) used to manufacture a product or define a task
Segments	Individual steps within a route, each with its own resource requirements and duration
Requirements	Equipment, material, and personnel needed to fulfil each segment
Duration	Time or rate configuration that determines how long each segment takes

Operations draw from the ANSI ISA-95 Standard, providing a standardised way to define attributes readable by both enterprise systems (ERP) and execution systems (MES).

Creating an Operation

1. Navigate to the Operations section.

2. Click the + button at the top of the list.

3. Enter the Name and Description — typically the product, SKU, or task name.

Routes

A route defines a specific sequence of steps to complete an operation. An operation can have multiple routes if a product can be manufactured using different methods, speeds, or resource configurations.

Adding a Route

1. Click the + button next to the Routes heading.

2. Enter the route Name and Priority (0 is the lowest priority).

Route Priority: The higher the number, the higher the priority. When two routes have the same priority and identical equipment assignment outcomes, the system prioritises keeping the order on the same equipment when changing routes.

Segments

A segment is an individual step within a route. Each segment defines the resources needed and how long it takes.

Adding a Segment

1. Click the blue + button at the bottom right of the route canvas.

2. Enter the segment Name and click Add.

Configuring Segment Details

Double-click a segment circle to open the detail view and configure:

Equipment Requirements

Select the equipment class or specific equipment instance required for the segment, along with the number of resources and utilisation percentage.

Personnel Requirements

Select the personnel class required, the number of people, and the utilisation percentage for each.

Material Requirements

Define which materials are consumed and which are produced at each segment.

For consumed materials, specify how much of a single unit is required to produce one unit of output. For example, producing 1 moulded part may require 0.05 kg of plastic beads.

Duration

Configure how long the segment takes using one of two methods:

Type	Description
Throughput (Rate)	A rate-based duration — e.g. 1 unit per second. Includes a date range to support rate changes over time
Fixed Duration (Time)	A fixed time — e.g. 3600 seconds for a 1-hour step

The date range for throughput rates allows operations to maintain accurate models as machine rates change due to continuous improvement or process adjustments.

Segment Dependencies

Segment dependencies enforce rules between steps in a route — whether one step should start when the previous starts, finishes, or whether gaps are allowed.

To configure:

1. Hold Shift and click on a segment to start drawing an arrow to the next segment.

2. Double-click the circle in the middle of the arrow between segments to configure the dependency rules.