In ProdSys, the management of different items is categorized into three distinct Article Types: Product, Article, and Equipment. These categories help businesses organize and track their inventory, production, and operational assets more efficiently. Understanding the differences between these article types is essential for proper system utilization and effective resource management
1. Product
A Product refers to any finished or semi-finished good that is either sold to customers or used in the manufacturing process of other goods. Products are typically the final output of a production process, and they are often tied to customer orders, invoicing, and sales.
Key features of Products in ProdSys:
Linked to sales orders and invoicing.
Can be grouped into categories like finished goods or sub-assemblies.
Frequently associated with standard production processes.
Includes descriptions, pricing, and specifications.
In summary, Products represent the core items that a company manufactures.
2. Article
An Article in ProdSys refers to any material or item used in production but not necessarily sold as a finished product. This can include raw materials, components, or supplies that are required during the production process.
Key features of Articles in ProdSys:
Used in production or as components in the assembly of Products.
Used as sales article for trading company's
Articles can have minimum and maximum stock levels, reordering rules, and locations within warehouses.
Articles play a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring that production lines have the necessary components and raw materials.
3. Equipment
Equipment refers to machinery, tools, or any other physical assets used in the production process or maintenance. Unlike Products or Articles, Equipment is not part of the inventory sold to customers but is essential for operational efficiency.
Key features of Equipment in ProdSys:
Tracks maintenance schedules, operational status, and location.
Used to monitor the health and availability of production tools and machines.
Can be associated with service records, depreciation, and operational lifespan.
Managing Equipment properly ensures that production stays efficient and equipment downtimes are minimized.
Conclusion
In ProdSys, differentiating between Products, Articles, and Equipment allows businesses to manage their resources more effectively. Products focus on sales and customer fulfillment, Articles ensure the smooth operation of production, and Equipment helps manage the tools that keep the business running. Understanding and properly classifying items under these categories leads to improved operational efficiency and inventory management.