ManEx is designed for EMS companies that traditionally do the outsourced work. However, there are ways to setup and track outside processing within ManEx. We suggest handling the three main actions as follows:
Notify Purchasing:
By creating a sub-assembly in ManEx for the processed component, users can accurately track costs and notification actions. Because ManEx allows up to 512 levels on a BoM, users can make very complex sub-assemblies and still keep delivery commitments and costs.
The easiest way to notify buyers is to create an inventory part called "Outsource Labor" and put it as an item on the subassembly* to make the processed component. This has several advantages, it allows MRP to automatically create the notification for buyers and they know how to process the "part", it allows accounting to capture this cost in the assembly (and include it in cost roll-ups), it allows receiving to have a part to receive once the processing is complete, it can be used on numerous assemblies as needed, and it allows users to account for both the raw and processed parts.
The sub-assembly approach will also ensure that the raw parts are delivered in plenty of time to allow for processing and still be included with the rest of the purchased components. This extra lead time is determined by value recorded under the processed component's production lead time in the item master.
*In order to purchase a part, it must be BUY or MAKE/BUY. Buyers cannot order MAKE parts. Additionally, BUY and MAKE/BUY parts cannot have other parts issued to them in kitting. This is why the processing is setup as a component on the processed part. Otherwise, users will not be able to automatically associate the costs of the raw component and processing with the processed component.
Notify Inventory
Parts that require outside processing can be marked to require incoming inspection. This creates a flag for receiving so they can see what needs to happen next. If the outsourcing is always done by the same supplier, users can add this information to the item master note as this is easily accessible from receiving. Otherwise, buyers can indicate in the PO (either on the item or schedule notes) where the raw parts should be sent for processing.
If the part is always outsourced, it may be helpful to modify the part description to indicate this as well. That will serve as another level of notification for receiving and inventory.
Another option is to create the WO for the processed part and change the kit status to "In Process" as soon as the raw material is ordered. This will create a kit shortage for the raw part and allow receiving to "pull" the parts for the kit upon receiving. Because they are needed for the "Out Sourced" work center (see the next section for details) receiving would know that it needs to be shipped for processing.
Reflect Costs in Accounting production Control
To keep an accurate picture of the value and location for raw and processed parts, the processed part bom should have a routing that includes a work center called "Out Sourced". When inventory sends the raw parts out for processing, they can document this in the system by issuing them to the kit and transferring the qty to the "Out Sourced" work center. Once the processing is complete, receiving will see that it is needed for the open work order already containing the raw parts. The processing labor "part" can be issued to the kit and the "assembly" transfered to FGI.
The method will accurately reflect the cost, qty, and location for the raw parts and the processed parts (including the labor for processing). It will create the notifications and action messages and help manufactures stay on top of their outsourced work.