Tutorial: Time Constraints for Materials in Line Flows#

Estimated time to read: 3 minutes

Objective#

Learn how to configure and validate time constraints between process steps to ensure materials are processed within defined time limits.

Step 1: Enable Time Constraints in Steps#

• Open each step involved (source and target)
• Edit the step and Enable Time Constraints

This must be enabled in both source and target steps.

Step 2: Define the Scenario#

Example:

• Source Step: SMT_Printing
• Target Step: SMT_Oven
• Requirement:
  • Maximum time = 30 minutes
  • Warning at 25 minutes

Step 3: Configure Warning Rule (Optional)#

• Create a new rule with Scope TimeConstraint

• Define the desired action (e.g., notification to operators)

Step 4: Configure Time Constraint#

• Navigate to Administration > Tables and open TimeConstraintsContext

• Configure:
  • Source Step and Operation (e.g., TrackOut at SMT_Printing)
  • Target Step and Operation (e.g., TrackIn at SMT_Oven)
  • Maximum Time (30 minutes)
  • Warning Time (25 minutes)
  • Associated rules (optional)

Step 5: Execute Process#

• Process a material through the source step (in this case, SMT_Printing)

• Perform the configured From Operation (TrackOut)

• A time constraint is created and tracked

Step 6: Validate Successful Scenario#

• Move the material to the target step within the allowed time (in this case, SMT_Oven)

• Perform the To Operation (TrackIn)

Expected Result#

• The constraint is satisfied
• Material proceeds normally
• Constraint is marked as Closed

Step 7: Validate Delayed Scenario#

• Delay the material before reaching the target step

• Observe:

  • At warning threshold:
    • Notification is triggered
  • At maximum time exceeded:
    • Operation is blocked

Expected Result#

• Material cannot proceed
• Operator must take action:
  • Remove material from production
  • Or resolve constraint (if applicable)

Frequent Configuration Questions#

Why is the constraint not being triggered?#

Verify the following:

• The Smart Table configuration is correctly defined.
• The operation settings are configured for the intended event:
  • Track-In
  • Track-Out

Why am I not receiving a warning?#

Ensure that:

• A warning rule is configured for the scenario.
• The user has an associated Employee record.

Why is the material not being blocked?#

Check that the maximum allowed time is configured correctly and that the applicable rule is active.

Why am I experiencing performance issues?#

Review the timer configuration and its execution frequency to ensure it is appropriate for the expected system load.