Batches for JOP Extension for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Overview

A Batch in the JOP extension represents a grouped execution unit that connects a specific machine-based process or production run with the individual process order lines being executed collectively.

The link between a batch and the process order lines is established by assigning relevant lines to the batch. This assignment ensures that all operations within the batch share a common Operation Code and Method Code, maintaining technical consistency in the grouped process. When assigning operations and methods to a batch, the system ensures that only those Operations and Methods can be selected that are valid and configured for the assigned machine.

During execution, the Start Time and End Time of the batch are recorded, along with the results of the production run (Good, Scrap, etc.).

Batches are essential for managing shared machine operations such as heat treatment or coating, where multiple parts are processed under identical conditions. They enhance traceability, enable consolidated reporting, and streamline the confirmation process for batch-related steps.

Note: Only process order lines with identical Operation and Method values may be grouped into the same batch.

Batch Card

The JOP Batch Card consists of five FastTabs that structure and manage the execution of a machine process:

FastTab: Scanning

• Barcode — Input field where you can scan or manually enter one of the following:
  • The Process Order No. — The system automatically selects the matching process order line based on the current batch's Operation Code and Method Code.
  • The Process Order Line Barcode — To directly assign a specific operation step to the batch.
  • The Process Folder No. — To assign all relevant lines from process orders grouped in the same folder, where operation and method match the batch definition.
  This allows fast and accurate assignment of items to the batch using barcode scanning or manual entry.

FastTab: Batch

This section contains the core details and status of the current machine run:

• No. — Unique identifier of the batch, based on a number series.

  The batch number is assigned based on a number series configuration. This number series can be defined centrally in the JOP Setup for company-wide use, or individually in the Responsibility Center. If both configurations exist, the number series defined in the Responsibility Center takes precedence. This allows for flexible and site-specific numbering schemes in multi-site environments.

• Machine Code — Machine on which the batch is being executed.

  Each batch is automatically assigned to a Responsibility Center based on the current user context. This ensures that only machines belonging to the same Responsibility Center can be selected for the batch. This rule enforces organizational boundaries and prevents cross-center assignments that could disrupt planning or reporting.

• Operation Code — Operation being performed. All assigned process order lines must match this operation.
• Method Code — Method or technique used in the operation (e.g., temperature, coating method).

  You can only select an Operation Code and Method Code that are defined for the selected Machine. This ensures that the batch configuration is valid and corresponds to the machine's capabilities and allowed processes.

• Description — Optional free-text description of the batch.
• Rework — Indicates whether the batch is part of a rework flow.
• Throughfeed Machine — Indicates the type machine of machine.

  The Batch feature also supports throughfeed machines, which operate in a continuous flow mode. In a throughfeed process, parts pass through the machine one after another without stopping, as opposed to the machine processing a discrete batch and then idleing. This continuous feeding means the machine is constantly working and can achieve very high throughput for similar items.

  Because parts move continuously through a throughfeed system, the total runtime of a Batch on a throughfeed machine is significantly longer than the machining time of any single part. Essentially, the batch's duration covers the entire sequence from the first piece entering to the last piece exiting the machine, which can span a long period if many parts are queued in succession.

  When a Batch is posted for a throughfeed machine, the ending time is not recorded immediately. Typically, you will post (start) the batch with a start time, but leave the end time blank because the run is still ongoing as pieces continue to feed through. The actual ending time is usually entered later, once the continuous run is finished and the last part has passed through the machine. This approach reflects the practical reality that the finish time on a throughfeed operation is only known after completion, so the system allows the batch to be started and tracked without finalizing the end time until the process truly ends.

• Starting Date-Time — Actual start time of the batch.
• Process Time — Duration of the machine process (can be entered manually or calculated).

  To learn more about entering durations in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, refer to the official documentation:
  Entering Duration — Business Central Documentation

• Ending Date-Time — Actual end time of the batch. For throughfeed machines, this may be entered after processing.
• Status — Lifecycle status of the batch. Must be set to Released before posting is allowed.

FastTab: Additional Methods

When assigning process order lines to a batch, the system typically enforces a match between the Operation Code and Method Code of the line and those defined in the batch. However, the fields Addntl. Method Code 1—3 allow for exceptions. If a process order line uses a method listed in one of these additional method fields, it can also be assigned to the batch even if it does not match the main Method Code. This provides flexibility for handling method variants or alternative processing techniques on the same machine.

FastTab: Planning

This tab captures the planned scheduling details for the batch, useful for production planning and machine allocation:

• Planned Starting Date-Time — Scheduled start time of the machine run.
• Process Time — Expected duration of the process.
• Ending Date-Time — Scheduled end time of the batch.

Batch Lines

The Lines FastTab in the JOP Batch Card lists the individual process order lines that are assigned to this batch. Each line represents a specific step and quantity from a process order and allows tracking of production results in detail.

Multiple process order lines can be assigned to a single batch, provided they match the required criteria (e.g., machine, operation code, method code, or allowed additional methods).

Available Fields

• Process Order No. — Identifies the process order to which the line belongs.
• Process Order Line No. — Refers to the specific operation line within the process order.
• Order No. — Links the line back to the originating sales order.
• Order Line No. — Refers to the related line in the sales order.
• Description — Optional description of the line or step.
• Rework — Indicates whether this line represents a rework process.
• No. of Items — Total number of items in this line that are being processed in the batch.
• No. of Items Good — Number of items successfully completed in this batch.
• No. of Items Scrap — Number of defective items classified as scrap.
• No. of Items Rework — Items that need to be reprocessed.
• No. of Items Quarantine — Items placed in quarantine for further analysis or testing.

  In the 'No. of' fields (e.g., No. of Items Good, No. of Items Scrap), the user must enter the actual quantity values before posting the batch. If different combinations of Extra Cost Code and Non-Conformance Code need to be recorded, this can be done by clicking the assist button (lookup) of the respective field. This opens a dialog for entering multiple lines, allowing the user to distribute the total quantity across various codes.

• Non-Conformance Code — Code indicating the reason for non-conformance (if any items are scrapped or failed).
• Extra Cost Code — Specifies any additional cost linked to quality issues or defects.
• Quarantine Error Description — Details the issue that caused the item(s) to be quarantined.
• Quarantine Action Description — Describes the action to be taken for quarantined items (e.g., retesting, rework, disposal).
• Test Plan Template No. — Reference to the test plan template to be used.
• Test Plan No. — Actual test plan executed for this line (if applicable).
• Posted No. of Items — Total number of items posted for this line.
• Posted No. of Items Good — Quantity of good items posted.
• Posted No. of Items Scrap — Quantity of scrapped items posted.
• Posted No. of Items Quarantine — Quantity of items posted to quarantine.
• Posted No. of Items Split — Indicates the number of items that were moved to a different process order for rework after processing in the current batch. This typically occurs when defects are identified that require further treatment beyond the current process step.
• Sales Factor — Used for cost or revenue allocation, especially in multi-step processes. Should align with the corresponding process order line.

Actions in the Batch Card

Header Actions

• Make Test Plans — Creates test plans for all batch lines based on the assigned test plan templates in the process order lines. This ensures that all required quality checks are prepared before processing.
• Post — Finalizes the batch and registers the output results.
  Note: The batch must be in Status = Released before posting is allowed.
• JOP Entries — Opens the list of JOP entries created by posting. These entries document the results of the batch operation, including quantities and quality outcomes.
• Quarantine Entries — Displays all entries related to items that were flagged for quarantine during processing.

Line Actions (Subpage)

• Test Plan — Opens the test plan associated with the selected batch line, used for quality inspection and documentation.
• Process Order — Opens the linked process order for the selected line.
• Sales Order — Opens the originating sales order related to the selected process order line.
• Properties — Opens the list of technical properties and process parameters related to the batch line.
• Clear No. of Items Good — Resets the entered value in the No. of Items Good field to zero.
• Set No. of Items Good — Automatically fills the No. of Items Good field with the total quantity of items in the batch line, useful when all items are considered good with no scrap or quarantine.