Optimal Routing Generation
Blog Post 6.02.02 - Generate Routings Based on Cost and/or Delivery Time
Increase customer satisfaction and profitability by generating sales quotes based on optimal routings and cost rollups. Read More ...
Global Edge Video Blog-6.02
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Generate Routings Based on Cost and/or Delivery Time
Global Edge Engineering Assistant provides an innovative and automated approach to generate routings based on actual production costs. This is accomplished with a combination with a configuration engine that generates optimal routing steps based on cost and/or delivery time coupled with real-time material and process costs from ERP.
The generation of the optimal routing steps is based on user definable configuration rules and accurately calculated manufacturing process times driven by CAD Part Parameters. These rules could include the calculation of laser cut times versus turret press punch times to determine cost versus fabrication time with each machine tool. Key features and benefits include the following:
The generation of the optimal routing steps is based on user definable configuration rules and accurately calculated manufacturing process times driven by CAD Part Parameters. These rules could include the calculation of laser cut times versus turret press punch times to determine cost versus fabrication time with each machine tool. Key features and benefits include the following:
- Real-Time Integration with ERP to Include Latest Time & Material Costs
- Easy Setup of Machine Tool Profiles to Calculate Machine Process Times
- Improves Scheduling Process with Optimal Generation of Routings
- Provides Simplified Method to Incorporate Tribal Knowledge into Automated Workflow
Optimizing Manufacturing Routings for Cost and Delivery: Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Profitability
Leveraging Automation and Real-Time Data with Global Edge Engineering Assistant
In the modern manufacturing landscape, meeting customer expectations while maintaining profitability is a persistent challenge. One critical factor in achieving this balance is the ability to generate accurate and optimal routings for production—routes that take into account both cost and delivery time to produce realistic and competitive sales quotes. The advent of automation and real-time data integration, as exemplified by Global Edge Engineering Assistant, now provides manufacturers with a powerful solution to these challenges.
The Importance of Routing Optimization
Manufacturing routings are at the core of efficient production planning. A routing defines the sequence of operations required to produce a part, specifying the machines, labor, and time involved. When routings are optimized for cost and delivery, they serve as a strategic tool for both operational and commercial success.
Customer Satisfaction is closely tied to manufacturer responsiveness and reliability. When customers receive sales quotes that accurately reflect the best possible lead times and competitive costs, confidence in the manufacturer grows. This, in turn, leads to repeat business and positive word of mouth.
Profitability hinges on minimizing operational expenses and maximizing resource utilization. Inefficient routings can lead to excessive machine downtime, unnecessary labor costs, and missed delivery windows, eroding margins and damaging reputation.
Automated Routing Generation: The New Paradigm
Global Edge Engineering Assistant represents a leap forward in routing generation by automating the process based on actual production costs and delivery constraints. The system utilizes a configuration engine that dynamically generates routing steps, informed by real-time material and process costs sourced directly from ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
Configuration Engine: The Heart of Optimization
At the core of the solution lies a user-definable configuration engine. This engine allows manufacturers to set rules that govern how routing steps are chosen, tailored to their unique production environment. For example, rules might prioritize laser cutting over turret press punching for rapid turnaround, or vice versa, depending on cost structures and available capacity.
The engine leverages CAD part parameters to calculate manufacturing process times with high precision. This means that as soon as part geometry is defined, the system can compute the necessary machine operations and their durations, providing a realistic estimate of both cost and delivery time.
Real-Time ERP Integration
Global Edge Engineering Assistant integrates directly with ERP systems, pulling the latest material costs and machine rates. This real-time data ensures that quotes and routings are grounded in current market conditions, rather than outdated assumptions.Such integration allows for responsive adjustments to fluctuating raw material prices or labor rates, maintaining profitability even in volatile environments. It also ensures that the cost rollups in sales quotes are transparent and justifiable, strengthening trust with customers.
Features and Benefits of Global Edge Engineering Assistant
The system encompasses several key features designed to streamline the routing generation process and improve both customer satisfaction and profitability.
- Real-Time Integration with ERP to Include Latest Time & Material Costs: Ensures all routing decisions and sales quotes are based on up-to-the-minute data, minimizing the risk of unexpected cost overruns or delays.
- Easy Setup of Machine Tool Profiles to Calculate Machine Process Times: Users can define the parameters and capabilities of each machine tool, allowing the system to accurately estimate process times for every routing step.
- Improves Scheduling Process with Optimal Generation of Routings: By automating routing generation, the system reduces manual effort and human error, enabling manufacturers to respond more quickly and accurately to customer inquiries.
- Provides Simplified Method to Incorporate Tribal Knowledge into Automated Workflow: Experienced operators can embed their insights into configuration rules, preserving valuable know-how and making it accessible across the organization.
From Cost Rollups to Sales Quotes: Delivering Value to Customers
A critical outcome of automated routing generation is the ability to produce detailed cost rollups for sales quotes. Cost rollups aggregate all relevant expenses for a given order, including:
- Material costs (current market rates from ERP)
- Labor costs (actual time estimates based on CAD parameters and machine profiles)
- Machine operating costs (energy, maintenance, amortization)
- Overhead allocations
- Logistics and packaging
This comprehensive view enables sales teams to generate quotes that are both competitive and profitable, fully aligned with actual production capabilities and constraints.
Enhancing the Sales Process
With the ability to instantly model how different routing strategies affect both cost and delivery time, sales representatives can offer customers tailored solutions. For example, if a customer is willing to pay a premium for expedited delivery, the system can select routing options that prioritize speed. Conversely, for cost-sensitive orders, the system can identify production paths that minimize expenses.
This flexibility enhances customer satisfaction, as clients feel empowered to make informed decisions in line with their own business objectives.
Case Example: Laser Cut vs Turret Press Punch
Consider a scenario where a part can be fabricated using either a laser cutter or a turret press. The configuration engine evaluates both options:
- Laser Cutter: Offers faster turnaround but higher operating costs.
- Turret Press: May be slower but less expensive for certain geometries.
By analyzing CAD part parameters, current machine load, and real-time cost data from ERP, the system automatically recommends the optimal routing. This removes guesswork and ensures that every quote reflects the best balance of cost and delivery time, tailored to both manufacturer capabilities and customer needs.
Preserving and Sharing Tribal Knowledge
Manufacturing organizations often rely on the expertise of seasoned operators—individuals who understand the nuances of machines, materials, and workflows. Global Edge Engineering Assistant makes it easy to incorporate this tribal knowledge into the automated routing process.
Configuration rules can capture tips and tricks, preferred routing sequences, and lessons learned, ensuring that best practices are consistently applied. This democratization of knowledge not only improves process reliability but also accelerates onboarding for new employees.
Improving Scheduling and Capacity Planning
Optimal routings generated by the system are not just valuable for quoting—they are also essential for production scheduling. By knowing exactly how long each operation will take, planners can allocate resources more effectively, reducing bottlenecks and maximizing throughput.
The continuous feedback loop between ERP and the configuration engine means that schedules can be adjusted dynamically in response to changing conditions, further enhancing agility and resilience.
Conclusion: The Path to Greater Satisfaction and Profitability
The ability to generate routings based on cost and delivery time, grounded in real-time data and enriched by human expertise, represents a transformative step for manufacturers. Global Edge Engineering Assistant automates this process, driving efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness.
By automating routing generation and integrating with ERP systems, manufacturers can produce sales quotes that delight customers while safeguarding margins. The result is a virtuous cycle—greater customer satisfaction leads to more business, which in turn fuels continued investment in process improvement.
In a world where speed and precision are paramount, embracing innovative, automated solutions for routing optimization is no longer optional; it’s essential for long-term success. Manufacturers who adopt these tools will be well-positioned to thrive in the face of ever-increasing demands and competition.
Optimize Scheduling And Increase Shop Floor Velocity
To see a demonstration as to how Global Edge Engineering Assistant can streamline your manufacturing workflow process, click on the link below to schedule a software demonstration.