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Scan, Create and Attach Raw Material#

Overview#

The Scan, Create and Attach Raw Material feature enables operators to quickly introduce raw materials into the production process by scanning component labels and automatically creating and associating them to the production context.

This streamlines material handling at assembly steps, reducing manual input and ensuring accurate material traceability.

Concept#

In SMT manufacturing, raw materials (e.g., component reels or boxes) must be correctly identified, created, and linked to the production process before assembly.

This feature supports that process by allowing operators to:

  • Scan component labels directly at the workstation
  • Automatically extract key material information (e.g., material name, product, quantity)
  • Create materials based on scanned data
  • Attach those materials to the workstation or feeder for immediate use

This ensures that:

  • Faster material onboarding into production
  • Reduced manual data entry
  • Improved traceability and accuracy

This feature is particularly valuable in scenarios with manual material loading or labeling, where operators are responsible for introducing components into the production line.

Functional Behavior#

System Configuration#

The following configurations must be configured:

  • /SMT/ManageRawMaterials/IsEnabled = True

  • /SMT/ManageRawMaterials/BarcodeRegExp is defined (see example in the Tutorial)

Operating Modes#

The feature supports two distinct modes depending on where it is executed:

1. Production-Based Mode (Step View)#

In this mode, materials are created and validated within the production context.

Characteristics:

  • Materials are scanned in the context of a step execution
  • Validation is performed against the BOM
  • Ensures materials scanned correspond to the product being produced

Requirements:

  • The Material selected must be In Process
  • A current BOM instance must be available

Use Case:

  • Controlled material consumption during assembly
  • Ensuring correct materials are used for each product

2. Resource-Based Mode (Resource Details View)#

In this mode, materials are created and attached directly at the resource level.

Characteristics:

  • Materials are scanned and attached to consumable feeders
  • Materials that do not exist in the system are automatically created and attached
  • No production validation is enforced

Notes:

  • No Material In Process is required
  • No BOM is required

Use Case:

  • Material preparation
  • Pre-loading feeders before production
  • Flexible material introduction without production constraints

System Actions#

For each scanned label:

  • The system extracts the following fields and adds them to a processing list:
    • Material Name
    • Product
    • Quantity

Upon clicking the Finish button:

  • Materials are created in the system (if they don't exist and the fields are valid)
  • Materials are attached to Feeders and depending on the mode the validations are performed

Validation Behavior (Production Mode Only - Step View)#

The Scanned materials are validated against the BOM and only required materials are accepted which ensures alignment with the product being assembled.

Result#

After execution:

  • Materials are created and ready for use
  • Materials are correctly associated with the resource or production step
  • Assembly operations can proceed

You can find more detailed information in the Scan, Create and Attach tutorial.