Add an operation

Operations represent individual steps in your manufacturing routing—from production machines and manual processes to quality control checkpoints. Creating operations enables you to build comprehensive routing that guides parts through your production floor, while maintaining full visibility and control over the manufacturing process.

Add an operationCopy Anchor Link

1. Go to Settings and select Operations under Manufacturing.
2. Click New Operation below the Operations heading.

This opens the Add new operation modal:

1. Status Name

   • Provide a descriptive name that clearly identifies the production step, machine, or process this operation represents.
   • Example names: File Preparation, Printing, Dyeing, MJF, FDM, Mold Making, Quality Control.

2. Step Type

   Choose from four operation types:

   • Base: Parts must be moved manually from one operation to the next (individually or in bulk).
   • Download Parts as Group: Parts are batch-progressed by downloading them to a local machine for offline processing.
   • Upload Bill of Parts: Parts can be downloaded, then batch-progressed by uploading the nested .3mf (or a .csv bill of parts).
   • Quality Control: Parts are inspected and approved manually.

3. View Type

   Determine how production is tracked:

   • Part: Track and display each part separately.
   • Group: Track parts in grouped units using consolidated group names.

4. Build Constraint

   Define how parts are grouped when entering this operation:

   • None: All parts are treated uniformly regardless of specifications.
   • Material: Parts are grouped by material type.
   • Material and Color: Parts are grouped by both material and color.
   • Material and Sheet Thickness: Parts are grouped by both material and sheet thickness.

5. Click Save to create the operation and make it available for routing integration.

The new operation will appear at the start of your production sequence and can be immediately assigned to manufacturing processes or post-processing operations. This ensures customer orders are automatically routed through the correct production steps according to the configured routing. To change its sequence, group name prefix or step naming strategy, edit the operation after creating it. 👉 Manage operations