Using the assembly board (kanban)

Using the assembly board (kanban)

The assembly board is a kanban-style visual workspace where you organize and track production builds. Each build appears as a card that you drag between columns representing production stages: Pending, In Progress, and Done. This keeps your team aligned on what is being made and where each build stands.

Before you start

• You must have at least one build created (either MTS or MTO).
• You need access to the assembly or production area. Ask your administrator if you cannot see it.
• Have a clear understanding of your production workflow (when a build is ready to start, when it is actively being made, and when it is finished).

Steps

Viewing the Assembly Board

1. Navigate to the assembly board. Open in Usystems

2. You will see the kanban board with three main columns:

   • Pending: Builds created but not yet started.
   • In Progress: Builds currently being manufactured.
   • Done: Completed builds.

3. Each build appears as a card showing the product name, quantity, and other key information (customer name if MTO, due date, etc.).

Moving a Build Between Columns

4. To start production on a build, find the card in the Pending column.

5. Click and drag the card to the "In Progress" column. The build status updates automatically. Your team can now see that production has started.

6. When production is finished, drag the card from In Progress to the Done column.

7. Click "Complete" or "Finish Build" on the card (if required). Usystems automatically:

   • Deducts raw materials from inventory.
   • Adds finished goods to stock (MTS) or to the sales order (MTO).
   • Records production cost.

Viewing Build Details

8. Click on any card to open the full build details. You can see:
   • The bill of materials and components used.
   • Current material stock levels.
   • Production notes and timeline.
   • Linked sales order (for MTO builds).
   • History of status changes.

Filtering and Organizing

9. Use filters (if available) to show only builds for a specific product, customer, or date range.

10. Sort builds by due date, priority, or customer to focus on the most urgent work.

Best practices

• Move cards consistently. Update the board in real time as production stages change; do not let cards sit in the wrong column.
• Use the Pending column for queue management. When a new build is created, start it promptly or leave it Pending if materials are not ready.
• Add notes to cards. Use the notes field to flag delays, material shortages, or special customer requests so your team stays informed.
• Review the Done column daily. Completed builds should be invoiced and shipped promptly; remove them from the board or archive them if your system supports it.
• Communicate delays early. If a build cannot meet its due date, update the card and notify the customer immediately.

Tips & common mistakes

• Do not skip the In Progress stage. Always move a build to In Progress when work starts, so your team knows not to start another build with the same materials.
• Verify material availability before dragging to In Progress. If materials run short, move the build back to Pending and request urgent replenishment.
• Complete the build fully before marking Done. A partially finished build in the Done column will confuse your team and create inventory discrepancies.
• Review the assembly board at the start of each shift to prioritize work and spot any blockages.

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