User eNotes - September 2020

Presidents Comments

In the August eNotes I introduced you to three new BOM constructs: Variable Phantom, Adjustable Raw Material, and 2-Dimensional Formula. This month we will dive a bit deeper into these BOMs and illustrate how they are presented and operate.

The important thing to understand is that these are not TYPES of BOM’s. They are modifications to the BOM Child screen and can be mixed and matched within an indented BOM. For example, placing one Variable Phantom under another creates a 2-Dimensional Formula. Since multiple Variable Phantoms can be indented under each other the 2-Dimensional Formula is really an N-Dimensional Formula! It is just simpler to describe it that way.

At first, these concepts and their advantages can appear to be a bit confusing. However, they offer solutions to the problems many manufactures face on a daily basis and the power they offer is quite amazing!

Item Profit Analytics

Have you ever wanted to know which items you sell are the most profitable versus the items that have the lowest rate of return? Perhaps you would like to review the monthly revenue trend for the new product line that was released to the market at the beginning of the year.

Beginning with ALERE V16, you can with the introduction of Profit Analytics to the Analytics module!

Easily research the profitability of an item this month, this year, or even the last ten years! Know how your profit margin varies by sales person! Compare product classes to find which generate the most profit!

Multiple analytics filters allow you to explore in detail how your company makes money and display that information using colorful 3D graphics.

Variable Phantom

A Variable Phantom allows a multiplier to be entered which applies to all the components that make up the bill. To illustrate how this is accomplished please use the following graphic as a reference for the explanation.

The purpose is to have the sales order configurator ask how many drone arm assemblies are required. This is done by adding the assembly, part number DRARMASSY1, to the BOM. On the BOM Child screen set the type to Phantom and check mark the Adjustable option. This will add the small white plus sign (in red, as circled) to the phantom icon on the BOM. Lastly enter the question that the configuration is to ask in the Adjustment Description field.

The quantity entered during configuration will multiply each of the items that make up the BOM.

The use of a Variable Phantom in place of a Modular structure requires the use of only one part number, simplifying BOM structures

Adjustable Raw Material

Adjustable Raw Material permits any child component to have its quantity changed when the BOM is configured. The following graphic depicts a Kit BOM that consists of multiple components that can have their quantities specified.

The purpose is to have the sales order configurator ask how many of each item to include. This is done as an item is entered on the BOM Child screen: the part number is specified, the type is set to Base Item, and the Adjustable option is checked. This will add the small white plus sign (in red, as circled) to the bolt icon on the BOM. Lastly, enter the question that the configuration is to ask in the Adjustment Description field. In this case, all the items can have their quantities specified..

The use of Adjustable Raw Material permits one inventory item number to be used for a Kit, or any BOM, where the child parts remain the same but one or more of them can have different quantities.

2-Dimensional Formula

The 2-Dimensional Formula allows a Variable Phantom that is indented a level below another Variable Phantom to be multiplied together, and then find a result that will be used to determine the total materials to use. To illustrate how this is accomplished please use the following graphic as a reference for the explanation.

On the graphic please take note of the red circle. The first question asks for how many cells horizontally and the second asks for how many vertically. If, for example, during the configuration process the first answer is 2 and the second answer is 5 then the result would be 10 (2 x 5). The two components indented under DRYSOLVERT would be multiplied by 10.

As long as the chain is unbroken this logic can actually be applied to more than 20 BOM levels. The 2-Dimensional Formula permits for example the computation of surface area, the volume, or the weight of constant cross section shapes.

Technical Seminars - Your Source of Training

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, TIW is currently only offering custom training at this time.

Custom training offers a client driven, focused training approach which addresses the specific needs of your organization. At the same time it doubles as process consulting time, which can help to improve your organizational efficiency.

The one on one training may also be used to provide employees with recurrent training, which will assist them in making the most of both ALERE’s core and newest features. Alternatively, training may be scheduled as a comprehensive overview to familiarize new additions to your staff with the capabilities of ALERE.

Session require a two hours minimum commitment and may run for a maximum of four hours per day.

Schedule your company’s session by calling Chris at 610-258-5161 x105.

TIW’s online training resources are available 24/7 on demand through our website

TIW Technology, Inc. | Phone: 610.258.5161 | Fax: 610.258.6217

Email: sales@tiwcorp.com | Site: www.tiwcorp.com