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Manufacturing operation routings

Optimize production with routings — managing parallel and consecutive operations

Michael De Giovanni avatar
Written by Michael De Giovanni
Updated over a week ago

Streamline your production by organizing tasks in a specific order — either consecutively or in parallel — using manufacturing operation routings.


What are routings?

Manufacturing routings in Katana let you define the exact sequence in which production operations should be performed. This helps ensure your workflow mirrors how tasks are performed on the shop floor, improving accuracy, scheduling, and efficiency.

You can choose to:

  • Run operations consecutively (one must finish before the next begins), or

  • Group operations in parallel (multiple operations run at the same time)

You can also combine both methods to match complex workflows.


How to enable routings

  1. Go to the Items screen and select a product.

  2. Open the Production operations tab on the product card.

  3. If you haven’t yet, check “Make” to enable production steps.

  4. Set up your operations.

  5. Use the drag-and-drop interface and routing controls to:

    • Define sequences (consecutive steps)

    • Group steps in parallel under the same number

When routings are set, the MO will indicate that operations follow a specific order.


What routed operations look like

Shows the grouping of consecutive vs. parallel operations
  • Consecutive operations are listed step-by-step (e.g., Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3)

  • Parallel operations are grouped under the same step number (e.g., Step 2a, 2b)

  • The status of an operation in a sequence cannot be changed until the previous step is marked as Completed

    GIF showing an operation be completed

For example: You’ll see an icon or sequence number showing which steps are dependent on others. Operations that are waiting on a previous task will be greyed out or disabled.


Routings in the tasks tab

Statuses of the Tasks list

When you view routed operations in the Tasks tab:

  • Only tasks with completed dependencies will be active.

  • Inactive tasks will appear greyed out until the previous step is completed.

  • The status of each task can only be changed in the proper sequence.

This ensures production operators don’t accidentally jump ahead and helps maintain quality control.


Locking operation sequences

Once a manufacturing order (MO) with routed operations is moved to In progress, its routing becomes locked:

  • You cannot reorder or delete operations once the MO has started.

  • This prevents accidental workflow disruptions.


Routed operations in the Shop Floor App

When using the Shop Floor App, routed operations are shown in the correct sequence:

  • Operators only see steps available to them based on routing.

  • As tasks are completed, the next steps become visible and actionable.

This improves clarity for operators and ensures they follow the intended process.


Summary

Feature

Details

Routing types

Consecutive, Parallel, Mixed

Edit location

Product card → Production operations tab

Locking

Routing becomes locked once MO is set to In progress

App behavior

Shop Floor App respects routing order; Tasks tab enforces sequence too

Need to adjust operation sequences? Do it before starting the MO!


Your feedback is always appreciated. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything else in Katana that you'd like to see improved: [email protected]

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