---
pdfexport: true
module: Electronics
timetoread: True
tutorial: deepdive
alias: tutorials-time-constraints-line-flows
glightbox: True
---

# Tutorial: Time Constraints for Materials in Line Flows

## 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**

![Enable Time Constraints](images/enabletimeconstraints.png)

> 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

![Scenario](images/smtdiagram.png)

---

## Step 3: Configure Warning Rule (Optional)

- Create a new rule with Scope **TimeConstraint**

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

![Create Time Constraints Rule](images/createrule.png)

---

## Step 4: Configure Time Constraint

- Navigate to **Administration > Tables** and open **TimeConstraintsContext**

![Open Time Constraints Table](images/st2.png)

- 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)

![Time Constraints Table Configured](images/st6.png)

---

## 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

![Time Constraints Entry Created](images/gtonentry.png)

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## 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)

![Time Constraints Entry Closed](images/gtclosedentry.png)

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### 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
  ![Warning Notification](images/notification.png)
    - At maximum time exceeded:
        - Operation is blocked
  ![Time Constraint Error](images/error.png)

---

### 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.