Learn how to set up and use the Advanced Manufacturing add-on to improve production quality, efficiency, and cost tracking.
Watch the recording
What you'll learn
How to configure operation types for accurate costing and operation sequence
How to use the Shop Floor app effectively
How ingredient picking improves inventory visibility
How to use Manufacturing insights to track and improve performance
Key features overview
See the full setup guide: Getting started with the Advanced Manufacturing add-on
Operation types: Choose Process, Setup, Per unit, or Fixed cost based on how work actually happens. Enable operations in sequence to control task order.
Shop floor app: Operators see assigned tasks and track actual time. For multiple operators on one task, use stations with multiplied costs or separate operation rows.
Ingredient picking: Click "Pick all" on manufacturing orders to allocate inventory immediately and see what's truly available.
Manufacturing insights: Track planned vs actual time ratios. Aim for 1:1 by updating planned times based on real data.
Best practices from the webinar:
Start with measured times from the shop floor to set planned times for operations
Keep operations simple, and match your Katana setup to your actual shop floor workflow
Review insights regularly to catch issues early, update planned times and quantities based on actual performance
Get accurate time tracking by showing operators how accurate data improves planning and processes, manually edit times if operators forget
Only use sub-assemblies when you physically build and stock them separately
For outsourced work: Use Outsourced Purchase Orders (OPOs) for vendors handling materials, or use operation types with external operator costs for labor-only contractors.