Tool resource

A tool resource can be a single tool that is used in production or a part of a resource group used in production. On this page you specify characteristics such as where the tool is used, availability or lifespan dates, and costs.

Create a tool resource record

1. On the General tab, enter the main information for the tool such as its name, ID, description and site.

2. In the Settings block, you can link the tool to a resource group.

   A tool resource can be a member of a resource group, used in routings or work orders. On the Resource group page, you can create a group of tools. Linking the tool resource to a resource group is not mandatory. You can create a tool resource and use it in a routing or work order directly.

   See Resource group for more information.

3. Select a Weekly shift for this tool. This populates the Weekly capacity field and the Weekly shift details grid, and turns the 24/7 status to No or Yes.
4. Enter an Efficiency percentage.
5. You can select a Location.

Add the individual costs

On the Cost tab, you define individual costs for the tool. You enter the direct costs such as setup and run costs, and indirect costs. These costs are used for routing and work order cost calculations.

Indirect costs are any costs involved in using the tool that are not directly related to actions performed with the tool. Indirect costs can be, for example, new bits for a drill or new blades for a saw.

Settings for the indirect costs are managed on the Indirect cost origin and Indirect cost section pages.

If the tool resource is linked to a resource group, lines are already added to the grid with the costs associated to the resource group. You cannot delete them.

To create a new line:

1. From the grid, select Add cost category.

2. Enter the cost category, cost unit, setup and run costs. You can also select an indirect cost.

   A cost category is a classification or grouping of related costs for the purposes of reporting, or the determination of the hourly cost of production.

   Each cost category has an associated set of costs. Different cost categories are needed for different production purposes. For example, the costs can differ for various types of machines, manufacturing workshop, or labour skills such as senior technician, technician or apprentice.

   In a cost category for a resource, you have the cost of setting up the resource and the run time cost. You have also some indirect costs linked to the resource such as a part of the cost for renting the warehouse or fees to contribute to the repayment of the loan that was used to purchase the resource.

   Example for a labeller: You need to have a view on the different costs when using a labeller for one hour on an average day. You can use the standard cost category to indicate the estimated usual setup and run cost.

   See Cost category for more information.

Edit a tool resource record

You can edit a tool resource record even if it is used with a routing or work order. However, existing routings and work orders will not be updated and will continue to contain the tool resource details at the time they were created.

Delete or deactivate a tool resource record

You can make a tool resource inactive, effectively removing the tool from the selection lists. To make it inactive, turn the Active switch off.

From the main list, you can select and delete multiple tools at once.

If a tool is used for a routing or work order, you need to delete those first.