Within the steps of an operation, there is a special step type

named

named Load Carrier Step

that

that creates a data collection activity type of Load Carrier automatically for loading assemblies into a carrier or container. In the settings for this activity, you can select the carrier type, import an image that represents the carrier, and define carrier positions graphically.

Once the image file is loaded, a dialog is displayed allowing you to create positions where assemblies will be loaded into the carrier. When the process is released to Production, the Load Carrier activity is displayed in the activity work area. The carrier UID is scanned or entered and the system guides the operator to load assemblies into specific positions (if defined). The expected position graphically indicates where to load each assembly.

When assemblies are loaded into a carrier, they can be moved through operations as a group with a single scan. In order to unload a carrier, there is an exit action named Unload Carrier to accommodate this much in the same way that a panelized assembly is de-panelized.

Create a Load Carrier step

Log into

the

the NPI

client

client application.

Select

Select Process Engineering

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Image Added , then select an assembly.
In

the

the Process Definition

window

window, double-click

the

the Process Flow

in

in the tree to open it for editing.
Double-click the operation where you want to add the Load Carrier step to open it for editing.
Select

the

the Add

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Image Added button

under

under Step List

in

in the Process tree, then

select

select Load Carrier.

Carrier Collection Activity #1 is added to the step automatically.
Double-click the Load Carrier step to open

the

the Settings

dialog

dialog.

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Use the following tables to make your selections for the step in the Settings dialog.
When you're finished making selections for the step,

select

select OK

to

to confirm your choices.

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Note

:

To see the full

procedure

rpocedure for adding a Load Carrier step to an operation and configuring the Carrier Collection activity, see Add a load carrier step to an operation.

Settings dialog - Basics tab

Option

Description

Name

The name of the step.

To apply a step template to the step, select

the

the Apply a Template

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Image Added button, select a step template, then

select

select OK.
To save the step as a step template, select the

Save

Save as Template

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Image Added button, enter a name for the template, then

select

select OK.

For details about creating and saving step templates, see Create a process, step, or operation template.

Operator Interface Template

The Operator Interface template to apply to the step.

See Operator Interface templates

for

for more information.
Assigned Workstation	The assigned workstation where the step and activities will be performed by a shop floor operator. See Create a factory and set up factory resources for more information.
Any Order Mode (Activities can be viewed in any order)	All the activities associated with the step may be viewed in any order.
Is Step Required?	The

step

step cannot

be

be skipped by a shop floor operator.
Activities may be executed without starting a unit	Any activities associated with the step may be executed by a shop floor operator without first scanning or entering the UID to start the unit in production.
Frequency	Frequency - The frequency with which activities associated with the step are displayed and performed. Every Item - Activities must be performed for every item. By Item Count - Displays activities for the

step every n number

- step every n number of scans. For example, when you select 3, activities will display for every third item, (item 1, item 4, item 7, item 10, and so on).
- Batch Based - Displays activities using the specified condition:
  - (Select All) - Displays activities for the first and last items in the batch.
  - Start of

Batch

- - Batch - Displays activities for the first item in the batch.
  - End of Batch - Displays activities for the last item in the batch.
- Time Interval - Activities for the step must be performed using the specified conditions. For example, 1 product every 2 minutes for the current batch.
- At Certain Times of Day - Displays activities for the step at specific times during the day, for example when periodic maintenance is needed to keep a workstation or machine running smoothly.
- By % of Total - Displays activities (even distribution) for the step each time the specified percentage of the total batch is reached. For example, a value of 10 percent in a 50-piece batch will display the specified step and activities every tenth assembly (10 percent of 50 is 5 over the course of 50 assemblies). This condition might be useful for periodic inspection of items in a batch.
- Operation Session Based - Displays activities for the step each time an operator logs in to begin a new session.

Activity Completion Acknowledgement

Add Acknowledgement to:

The

The shop floor operator must acknowledge completion

of

of All Activities,

the

the First Activity, or

the

the Last Activity

associated

associated with the step.
Do you want to require credentials?	Yes - The shop floor operator is prompted to supply appropriate credentials before completing the step. No - The shop floor operator isn't required to provide credentials before completing the step.
Approval Process	Yes - An approval will be required for the specified activities before the step can be completed. Select an approval process from

the

- the Approval Process

drop

- drop-down.
- Select the activities that the approval will be required for: First Activity, Last Activity,

or iconfalsetitle

- or All Activities.
No - The shop floor operator won't be required to obtain an approval before completing the step and its activities.

Settings dialog - Option Codes tab

Option	Description
Option Codes	Displays a list of available option codes.

Note

Note

:

Option codes are only

used

used with configurable (CTO) assemblies.

Use the Apply Option Codes

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Image Added button to move selected option code(s) to the Assigned Option Codes column.
Use the Remove Option Codes

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Image Added button on the right side of the window to move selected assigned option code(s) back to the Option Codes list.

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Note

For details about option codes,

see

see Option codes for configurable assemblies.
Assigned Option Codes	Displays the option codes assigned to this step.
Use Logical Expression	Select the Use Logical Expression

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Use Logical Expression button Image Added button on the right side of the dialog to define option codes for a step in the form of a logical expression (comprised of available option codes plus the logical operators: AND, OR, and NOT, and brackets to identify precedence).