We make a line of standard cutting tools that are sold both coated and uncoated, with multiple coating options (one coating per tool). So we might have a 100i500 (uncoated) and a 100i500A, 100i500C, etc. depending on the coating type. We outsource the coating to different vendors depending on the coating type. What is the ‘best’ (easiest?) way to handle this in Epicor? Currently we just keep adding part numbers and their associated details (all the same except the coating/description/price) as we use different coating types, making for up to 5x the amount of parts (a few thousand base parts) in the system. We do not have Configurator and don’t ‘think’ it makes sense for just this use, but could potentially be talked into it…
I apologize, I feel like this has been asked and answered but my searches are failing me. Thanks!
In newer versions of Epicor you have the option to track Revisions in Inventory. You could create a new Revision for different coatings and then track them in inventory. I’m not sure if that’s easier than different parts but it is an option in the “right” version of epicor.
Thanks, I thought about Revisions but we do use them already (rarely) when we modify geometry or some other facet of a tool based on feedback, so I feel like that might confuse things even more.
RE revisions, we use revisions strictly to track updates to boms and boos, with only one approved at a time. Using revisions for differences in mfg would be problematic for us. We do use alternate revisions also, to mfr in another plant occasionally, but they don’t get picked automatically by MRP (even if the sales order is setup to leave from alternate plant) and are not that easy to manage (i.e., need to update alternate every time update primary revision).
Our configurator in Epicor is pretty basic. We mfr pumps. The configurator provides limited selections based on main model number, it currently does not limit the choices based on an earlier choice. We are heading in that direction, but are not there yet. It provides a unique part number for the order. We do add them to our part master, but I am aware of others who do not add the part to the part master. Work on the configurator is a little fussy but once it’s setup it can be robust IMO. I also have heard about some problems about the kinetic configurator. We are still using classic.
I am looking through some of the docs on AUOM (we don’t have it) but not sure I see how it helps - would you or @Daniel_Price mind posting a quick blurb on how you would see this working for us? Much appreciated!!
You could create one part number for a single base type and use the AUOM Attributes to determine the coating. You can select the coating on the Sales Order, you will see the coating in inventory, and select the coating in shipment. Not sure if you could figure out a way to have the coating reflected in the MOM, that part might be manual.
Yes, you can. However, it would be specific to that part number, so you would have to manually change the MOM each time. You basically select the attributes for the material when the MOM is created.
As someone in a manufacturing environment that purchases, inventories, and issues cutting tools to jobs, I actually like keeping the cutters with different coatings as separate part numbers.
Thank you everyone for the ideas and input! @LarsonSolutions You’re right, we definitely need to handle different cost for different coatings, so I guess that eliminates the AUOM idea. In your Lot Control / Average Lot Costing idea would there be any differentiation in the final part number based on coating type? (see below)
@wayne.welsch Totally agree, we want to keep a differentiator for the coatings in the part number for ease of identification. I am just looking for a way to have a “base” part in the system once and add/change the coating letter as needed.
. That is a great suggestion.