The batch balancing process
The batch balancing process is performed from the Batch balancing page. Select Cost management > Batch orders and then, on the Process tab, select Batch balancing. Batch balancing is available for batch orders that have a status of Started.
In general, batch balancing can be applied to batch orders if the formula has at least one formula line where the ingredient type is Active. (For the exception to this rule, see the "Batch orders that aren't applicable for batch balancing" section later in this topic.)
The batch balancing process can be divided into two subprocesses:
Balance batch ingredients.
Confirm and release the formula.
Balance batch ingredients
In the Balance batch ingredients subprocess, the amount of ingredients to use for the production batch is calculated based on the selected batches that have active ingredients.
As a rule, the calculation can be completed only if full coverage of all ingredients exists. You can't balance only part of the batch that the batch order is set up to produce.
You can't save a calculation and then complete the batch balancing process later. If you close the Batch balancing page, you must repeat the calculation to complete the process.
Confirm and release the formula
After the ingredient quantities have been calculated, you can confirm and release the formula. The release process differs, depending on whether the products are enabled for the warehouse management processes:
- If a product is enabled for the warehouse management processes, the formula line is released to the warehouse according to the principles for the warehouse management processes. The formula line is released in quantities that match the balanced quantities, and it's released for the specific batches that are selected for the active ingredients.
Formula lines can be released to warehouse only as part of the batch balancing process. Though other options exist for releasing materials for production to warehouse, those options can't be used for formula lines.
- If a product isn't enabled for the warehouse management processes, a production picking list is created for the product when you confirm and release the formula.
In a single formula, you can combine products that are enabled for the warehouse management processes and products that aren't enabled for the warehouse management processes.
When the two types of products are included in one formula, the products that are enabled for the warehouse management processes are released to warehouse. For the products that aren't enabled for the warehouse management processes, a picking list is created when the formula is confirmed and released.
Batch orders that are not applicable for batch balancing
One exception to the rule is that batch orders are applicable for batch balancing if the formula has at least one formula line where the ingredient type is Active.
If a formula contains an active ingredient for a product that is enabled for the warehouse management processes, but Batch number is below Location in the reservation hierarchy, the batch order isn't applicable for batch balancing.
A batch order that isn't applicable for batch balancing goes through the regular process cycle for batch orders.