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Writer's pictureBenito Ramirez

Dynamics 365 Business Central Training: Routing Links

In the fast-paced world of business management, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a plethora of tools designed to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Among these tools, routing link codes stand out as an essential feature for manufacturing and production processes. This Dynamics 365 Business Central training blog post aims to provide business professionals with a comprehensive guide on how to use routing link codes, complete with step-by-step instructions and practical examples. 


Understanding Routing Link Codes 

Routing link codes in Dynamics 365 Business Central are used to connect specific routing steps to components in the production BOM (Bill of Materials). This linking ensures that materials are issued at the correct points in the production process, thereby enhancing both efficiency and accuracy. 


Routing links offer an effective method for managing when items should be moved to WIP (Work in Progress). They are frequently used to carefully control the flow of components, making sure that each part arrives at the right operation precisely when needed—a practice known as "just-in-time". In addition, routing links are beneficial for expensive components, as they allow for purchasing materials as late as possible in the production process. 


Overall, routing link codes help manage intricate production processes by ensuring that materials are consumed only when necessary, reducing waste and optimizing resource use. 


Benefits of Using Routing Link Codes 

  • Improved Production Efficiency: By ensuring materials are issued at the correct production stages, routing link codes help in minimizing delays and enhancing workflow efficiency. 

  • Reduced Waste: Routing link codes ensure that materials are consumed only when necessary, reducing waste and optimizing inventory management. 

  • Enhanced Accuracy: Linking components to specific operations ensures that the right materials are used at the right time, improving the accuracy of production processes. 

  • Better Resource Management: By managing the flow of materials, routing link codes help in optimizing the use of resources, leading to cost savings and improved productivity. 


Step-by-Step Instructions to Use Routing Link Codes 

Below are detailed steps to effectively use routing link codes in Dynamics 365 Business Central: 


Step 1: Setting Up Routing Link Codes 

1. Use the global search functionality in Dynamics 365 Business Central to search for “Routing Links”. 

2. Select the routing for which you want to set up the link codes. 

3. Click on Edit to open the routing card. 

4. In the routing card, locate the Routing Link Code field. 

5. Enter a unique code that will be used to link the routing to the production BOM components. 

Routing Links

Step 2: Assigning Routing Link Codes to BOM Components 

1. Navigate to the Product BOM page. 

2. Select the BOM to which you want to assign routing link codes. 

3. Click on Edit to open the BOM card. 

4. In the BOM lines, locate the Routing Link Code field. 

5. Enter the routing link code that corresponds to the appropriate routing operation. 

Routing Links assigned to Production BOM
Routing

Step 3: Using Routing Link Codes in Production Orders 

1. Create a new production order or open an existing one. 

2. Ensure that the production order lines are correctly linked to the BOM and routing. 

3. The system will automatically use the routing link codes to issue materials at the specified production stages. 


Practical Example 

To illustrate the use of routing link codes, let's consider a practical example of a company manufacturing bicycles. The production process involves several stages, including frame assembly, painting, and final assembly. Each stage requires specific components to be issued at the right time. 


Example Scenario 

1. Frame Assembly: Components required include frame tubes, welding rods, and bolts. 

2. Painting: Components required include paint and protective gear. 

3. Final Assembly: Components required include wheels, chains, and pedals. 


Step-by-Step Example 

1. Setting Up Routing Link Codes

- Use the global search functionality in Dynamics 365 Business Central to search for “Routing Links”. 

- Navigate to the Routing List page and select the bicycle routing. 

- Enter routing link codes for each stage, such as FRM_ASB for frame assembly, PNT for painting, and FNL_ASB for final assembly. 

Routing Link example

2. Assigning Routing Link Codes to BOM Components

- Navigate to the Production BOM page and select the bicycle BOM. 

- Assign the routing link codes to the BOM components. For instance, assign FRM_ASB to frame tubes, welding rods, and bolts; PNT to paint and protective gear; and FNL_ASB to wheels, chains, and pedals. 

Routing Link assignment example

3. Using Routing Link Codes in Production Orders

- Create a production order for bicycles. 

- The system will automatically issue frame tubes, welding rods, and bolts during the frame assembly stage, paint and protective gear during the painting stage, and wheels, chains, and pedals during the final assembly stage. 


Conclusion 

Routing link codes in Dynamics 365 Business Central are a powerful tool for managing production processes efficiently. By linking routing operations to BOM components, businesses can enhance production accuracy, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization. We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary insights and steps to effectively use routing link codes in your operations. Embrace this feature to streamline your production processes and achieve remarkable efficiency. 


For more detailed information and support, consider consulting the Dynamics 365 Business Central user manual or reaching out to a certified Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant. 

 

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