Overview

The Lock Plan checkbox is used to prevent changes being made to a plan once it has been finalised or approved. In addition to restricting edits, it also prevents the scheduling system from moving processes to alternative work centres within the same work centre group.

This feature helps maintain the integrity of approved manufacturing plans and ensures that work centre assignments remain fixed.

Location

The Lock Plan checkbox can be found on the:

Drawing Register Screen → Process Tab

Purpose

The Lock Plan option is designed to protect approved production plans from both manual and automated changes. When enabled, the plan and its work centre assignments are locked, preventing the scheduler from reallocating operations to other work centres within the same work centre group.

How to Use

1. Open the required record in the Drawing Register Screen.
2. Select the Process tab.
3. Locate the Lock Plan checkbox.
4. Tick the checkbox to lock the plan.
5. Save the record.

Behaviour

When Lock Plan is Ticked

• The plan is locked against further modifications.
• Process details cannot be edited.
• The scheduler cannot move processes to alternative work centres within the same work centre group.
• Work centre assignments remain fixed as defined in the plan.
• Approved routing and scheduling decisions are preserved.

When Lock Plan is Unticked

• The plan remains editable.
• Process details can be amended as required.
• The scheduler can move processes between eligible work centres within the same work centre group to optimise capacity and scheduling.

Example

A process is assigned to Work Centre A, which belongs to the Machining work centre group.

Lock Plan Unticked

• The scheduler may move the process to Work Centre B within the Machining work centre group if capacity or scheduling rules require it.

Lock Plan Ticked

• The process remains assigned to Work Centre A.
• The scheduler cannot reassign the process to another work centre within the group.

Best Practice

• Only lock a plan once all routing and work centre assignments have been reviewed and approved.
• Ensure all process information is correct before ticking the checkbox.
• Use this feature when work centre assignments must remain fixed and should not be altered by scheduling optimisation.
• If changes are required, untick Lock Plan, make the necessary amendments, and then reapply the lock if appropriate.

Additional Information

The Lock Plan feature prevents both manual amendments and automatic scheduling changes. This ensures that approved process routes and work centre assignments remain unchanged, providing greater control and consistency within the production planning process.