Using BellHawk SPTS to Track Work-in-Process Batches and Labor Times

The process starts by setting up Work Orders in BellHawk. Work Orders can be as simple as a work order number or a route of operations to be performed can be associated with the work order.

Users can setup their own set of operations and create template routes that can be attached to work orders as they are created.

Once a work order is setup in BellHawk then a barcoded traveler, such as shown at right, can be printed on an office laser or waterproof inkjet printer.

 

To record starting work on an operation, the user selects a [Start Work] button from the screen of their device, which brings up the Start Work screen, shown at left.

The user then scans a barcode on their badge (identifying the employee)followed by scanning the work order and step barcodes from the barcoded traveler sheet.

The user then selects the [Submit] button to record that  they have started work on that operation on that work order.

When they stop work on the operation, the user selects a [Stop Work] button on the screen of their device, which brings up the Stop Work screen, shown at left,  and then scans a barcode on their employee badge followed by scanning the work order and step barcodes. They can then, optionally, enter a "piece work" quantity processed or made.

If work on the operation is complete then the user checks that the operation is complete and selects the [Submit] button to indicate they have stopped work and the operation is complete.

If the user is just going on break, then they leave the check-box unchecked, and the system records that they have stooped work on the operation but the operation is not completed.

When they come back from break the user records another Start Work operation, followed by another Stop Work, when they have stopped work.

In this way, BellHawk is able to track when each operation on each work order starts and ends, and the amount of labor required for each operation. The status of each work order and the amount of labor required are available for screen viewing and reporting, as well as in the form of Excel exports for subsequent reporting.

Data can be captured using PCs with barcode scanner plugged into their USB ports or with ruggedized mobile devices with integral barcode scanners. In either case, these devices can be shared between multiple users to record when they start and stop work.

Simple WIP Batch and Labor tracking is available in the form of the BellHawk SPTS system. It is also available as part of the RTOPS (Real-Time Operations Tracking System) which can track the flow of materials and handle the tracking of split batches, which SPTS cannot.

SPTS is ideal for those organizations that wish to track the manufacture or repair of single items or a batch of items that stay together. It is often an excellent starting point for organizations that subsequently want to upgrade their BellHawk system to track their inventory and work-in-process materials flow.

For more details about SPTS, please see: SPTS Data Sheet (PDF Download)

For those situations where tracking the materials consumed and produced on each work order operation, or the tracking of materials flow between operations, or tracking split batches or one-piece flow is required then clients should use the BellHawk RTOPS Real-Time Operations Tracking System.