Glossary · Manufacturing systems
Routing (manufacturing)
Also known as: Process plan, Operation sequence
German: Arbeitsplan
In manufacturing, a routing is the master data record that defines the sequence of operations to make a product, with the work center, setup and processing times, and instructions for each operation.
- Manufacturing systems
In one sentence
A routing defines the sequence of operations to make a product, with work center, setup and processing times for each.
Example
The routing for the shaft lists sawing, turning, hardening, grinding and final inspection, each with its work center and standard time.
How it applies
- Planning: Routings, together with the Bill of materials (BOM), drive capacity planning, scheduling and costing in ERP. Standard times in routings must be realistic, or plans and costs are wrong.
- Production: Each operation in a work order derives from the routing. The MES shows the operation's instructions and collects actual times.
- Change management: Changing a routing (for example moving an operation to another work center) can affect validated processes and documentation.
- Documentation: Operation instructions, Part programs and inspection plans are linked to routing operations. Keep these links in the system rather than in document titles, so changes can be traced.
Routing (manufacturing) vs. routing (networking)
In networking, routing means selecting paths for data packets. In manufacturing, it is the sequence of operations. The German Arbeitsplan only has the manufacturing meaning.