Overview

A work centre represents a resource used to complete an operation. This may be a machine, an inspection or assembly area, or an external process such as subcontract heat treatment.

Follow the steps below to create and configure a new work centre in RedAnt.

1. Open Work Centres

Navigate to:

Modules → Maintenance → Work Centres

Before creating a new record, use the Binoculars search function to check whether the work centre already exists. This helps prevent duplicate records.

2. Create a New Work Centre

1. Click New.
2. Enter the work centre Code and Description.
3. Follow your company's existing naming and coding conventions.

Example:

Note: This is only an example. Use a code and description that align with your organisation's standards.

3. Assign a Work Centre Group

Select the appropriate Group from the dropdown list.

Work centre groups are used to organise resources with similar capabilities, such as machines that can perform the same type of operation.

If a suitable group does not exist:

1. Open Groups.
2. Create the new group.
3. Save the group.
4. Return to the work centre record and assign it.

Important: Group work centres carefully, as grouping can influence resource selection during scheduling.

4. Configure Default Rates and Times

Review and enter any relevant:

• Default rates
• Setup times
• Cycle times

These values can be automatically populated when the work centre is selected on an operation.

Note: Default values can be overridden within individual process records where operation-specific settings are required.

5. Configure Scheduling Details (If Applicable)

If your organisation uses RedAnt scheduling functionality, review and configure the following:

Efficiency

Set a realistic efficiency percentage that reflects the resource's actual capacity.

Example: If one operator manages multiple machines, each machine may operate below 100% efficiency.

Work Period Management

Use Work Period Management to define the work centre's available operating hours.

Ensure that:

• Working hours accurately reflect how the resource operates.
• Unattended running hours are included where appropriate.
• Non-working periods are defined correctly.
• Planned downtime and unavailable periods are represented accurately.

6. Save the Work Centre

1. Click Save.
2. Use the Binoculars search function to locate the new work centre.
3. Confirm that all details have been saved correctly.

To make changes:

1. Open the work centre record.
2. Click Edit.
3. Update the required fields.
4. Click Save again.

7. Verify the Work Centre Can Be Used

To confirm the work centre is available for operations:

1. Open a suitable test or planned operation.
2. In the Drawing Register, open the Processes tab.
3. Select the new work centre from the Work Centre dropdown list.
4. Verify that:
   • The correct description is displayed.
   • Default rates and times are populated as expected.
   • Any operation-specific values can be adjusted as required.

Before Using the Work Centre for Live Work

Confirm the following:

• ✓ Work centre code is correct
• ✓ Description is accurate
• ✓ Correct group has been assigned
• ✓ Default rates and times have been reviewed
• ✓ Efficiency settings are appropriate (if scheduling is used)
• ✓ Working hours and non-working periods have been configured correctly
• ✓ The work centre can be successfully selected on an operation

Once these checks have been completed, the work centre is ready for use.