Load Carrier step

Within the steps of an operation, there is a special step type named Load Carrier Step that creates a data collection activity type of Load Carrier automatically for loading assemblies into a carrier or container. In the settings for this activity, you can select the carrier type, import an image that represents the carrier, and define carrier positions graphically.

Once the image file is loaded, a dialog is displayed allowing you to create positions where assemblies will be loaded into the carrier. When the process is released to Production, the Load Carrier activity is displayed in the activity work area. The carrier UID is scanned or entered and the system guides the operator to load assemblies into specific positions (if defined). The expected position graphically indicates where to load each assembly.

When assemblies are loaded into a carrier, they can be moved through operations as a group with a single scan. In order to unload a carrier, there is an exit action named Unload Carrier to accommodate this much in the same way that a panelized assembly is de-panelized.

Create a Load Carrier step

Log into the NPI client application.
Select Process Engineering , then select an assembly.
In the Process Definition window, double-click the Process Flow in the tree to open it for editing.
Double-click the operation where you want to add the Load Carrier step to open it for editing.
Select the Add button under Step List in the Process tree, then select Load Carrier.

Carrier Collection Activity #1 is added to the step automatically.
Double-click the Load Carrier step to open the Settings dialog.
Use the following tables to make your selections for the step in the Settings dialog.
When you're finished making selections for the step, select OK to confirm your choices.

Note

To see the full rpocedure for adding a Load Carrier step to an operation and configuring the Carrier Collection activity, see Add a load carrier step to an operation.

Settings dialog - Basics tab

Option	Description
Name	The name of the step. To apply a step template to the step, select the Apply a Template button, select a step template, then select OK. To save the step as a step template, select the Save as Template button, enter a name for the template, then select OK. For details about creating and saving step templates, see Create a process, step, or operation template.
Operator Interface Template	The Operator Interface template to apply to the step. See Operator Interface templates for more information.
Assigned Workstation	The assigned workstation where the step and activities will be performed by a shop floor operator. See Create a factory and set up factory resources for more information.
Any Order Mode (Activities can be viewed in any order)	All the activities associated with the step may be viewed in any order.
Is Step Required?	The step cannot be skipped by a shop floor operator.
Activities may be executed without starting a unit	Any activities associated with the step may be executed by a shop floor operator without first scanning or entering the UID to start the unit in production.
Frequency	Frequency - The frequency with which activities associated with the step are displayed and performed. Every Item - Activities must be performed for every item. By Item Count - Displays activities for the step every n number of scans. For example, when you select 3, activities will display for every third item, (item 1, item 4, item 7, item 10, and so on). Batch Based - Displays activities using the specified condition: (Select All) - Displays activities for the first and last items in the batch. Start of Batch - Displays activities for the first item in the batch. End of Batch - Displays activities for the last item in the batch. Time Interval - Activities for the step must be performed using the specified conditions. For example, 1 product every 2 minutes for the current batch. At Certain Times of Day - Displays activities for the step at specific times during the day, for example when periodic maintenance is needed to keep a workstation or machine running smoothly. By % of Total - Displays activities (even distribution) for the step each time the specified percentage of the total batch is reached. For example, a value of 10 percent in a 50-piece batch will display the specified step and activities every tenth assembly (10 percent of 50 is 5 over the course of 50 assemblies). This condition might be useful for periodic inspection of items in a batch. Operation Session Based - Displays activities for the step each time an operator logs in to begin a new session.
Activity Completion Acknowledgement	Add Acknowledgement to: The shop floor operator must acknowledge completion of All Activities, the First Activity, or the Last Activity associated with the step.
Do you want to require credentials?	Yes - The shop floor operator is prompted to supply appropriate credentials before completing the step. No - The shop floor operator isn't required to provide credentials before completing the step.
Approval Process	Yes - An approval will be required for the specified activities before the step can be completed. Select an approval process from the Approval Process drop-down. Select the activities that the approval will be required for: First Activity, Last Activity, or All Activities. No - The shop floor operator won't be required to obtain an approval before completing the step and its activities.

Settings dialog - Option Codes tab

Option

Description

Option Codes

Displays a list of available option codes.

Note

Option codes are only used with configurable (CTO) assemblies.

Use the Apply Option Codes button to move selected option code(s) to the Assigned Option Codes column.
Use the Remove Option Codes button on the right side of the window to move selected assigned option code(s) back to the Option Codes list.

Note

For details about option codes, see Option codes for configurable assemblies.

Assigned Option Codes

Displays the option codes assigned to this step.

Use Logical Expression

Select the Use Logical Expression button on the right side of the dialog to define option codes for a step in the form of a logical expression (comprised of available option codes plus the logical operators: AND, OR, and NOT, and brackets to identify precedence).

Related topics

Add a load carrier step to an operation

Add a new operation to a process flow

Operator Interface templates

Option codes for configurable assemblies

Option codes in Production

Introduction: step types for operations

Add an activity to a step