FAQ: Creating Builds

Q: What is the difference between Make-to-Stock and Make-to-Order builds?

A:

• Make-to-Stock (MTS): You manufacture products for your general inventory with no specific customer order attached. You decide how much to build based on demand forecasts. Use MTS when you produce common items regularly.
• Make-to-Order (MTO): You manufacture a product specifically to fulfill a customer's sales order. The build is linked to that order, so when you finish the product, it automatically moves toward invoicing that customer. Use MTO when products are made custom or to spec.

Q: Can I change the BOM after I create the build?

A: No. The BOM is locked at the time of build creation so that your cost accounting is accurate and traceable. If you discover you selected the wrong BOM, you should cancel the build and create a new one with the correct BOM revision.

Q: What happens if I issue materials but production is delayed?

A: Once materials are issued, they move from Raw Materials into Work-in-Progress (WIP) inventory. They are no longer available for other builds or sales orders. If production is delayed, the materials stay in WIP until you either complete the build (receive finished goods) or cancel it. Plan your production schedule to minimize delays.

Q: Can I partially complete a build?

A: Yes. When you receive finished goods, you can enter a quantity less than the full build amount. For example, if you planned to build 100 units but only completed 80, enter 80 in the Quantity Completed field. The system will track the difference as a potential scrap or loss, depending on your configuration.

Q: What if I need to cancel a build?

A: If you have not yet issued materials, you can simply delete or cancel the build from the detail page. If materials have already been issued, you must reverse the material issue (a transaction that moves the materials back from WIP to Raw Materials) before you can cancel. Contact your administrator if you need help reversing a transaction.

Q: How do I track the cost of a build?

A: The system automatically calculates the cost when you issue materials (based on the cost of those materials) and when you receive finished goods (which may include labor and overhead). View the cost details in the build's Costing or Cost Summary section. The finished goods' cost will appear in your inventory and will be matched to the cost of goods sold (COGS) when the item is sold.

Q: Can I add or remove components during a build?

A: No. The components and quantities are determined by the BOM and are fixed when the build is created. If you need different components, you must cancel this build and create a new one with a different BOM revision that includes the components you need.

Q: What if my warehouse has materials but the system says there is a shortage?

A: This usually means the available (unreserved) quantity is lower than expected, because materials are already allocated to other active builds or sales orders. Check the inventory detail for each component and confirm which builds or orders are holding the materials. You may need to complete or cancel those other builds to free up stock for this one.