Show TOC

 Processing the Hierarchy

Use

You reproduce the hierarchy of your production line in the system by linking the line elements using hierarchy relationships.

Hierarchy relationships enable you to divide or group individual line elements and assign them to a higher-level object.

Example

The graphic shows the hierarchy of a line network consisting of body shop, paint and assembly. Within the hierarchy, the group of alternative lines and the lines are relevant for planning.

Prerequisites

You can check and change the valid hierarchy relationships in Customizing for iPPE in the IMG activity, " Define General iPPE Relationship Types ".

Features

Maintaining hierarchy relationships

You can maintain hierarchy relationships between different line elements in two ways. Choose the Relationship tab page to assign subordinate line elements, or the Relationship tab page to assign a higher-level line element.

You can also maintain hierarchy relationships to subordinate line elements in the context menu by right-clicking on a line element. Choose Create Relationship in the context menu. You can use this procedure to assign an existing object or a new line element, which is then created at the same time.

Arranging line elements in a hierarchy

You can link individual line elements in the following ways:

  • You can subdivide a line into several line segments.

  • You can subdivide a line segment into several line segments.

  • You can subdivide a line segment or a line into several work areas.

  • You can group several lines to form one line network. The level of the lines produces the planning level for your orders. However, you can use the line network to access planning.

  • You can arrange buffers under a line network, which act as a link between the lines. You can not divide a buffer.

  • You can group several lines together to form a line area and assign the line area to a line network.

  • You can group together lines that can be used as alternatives to one another to form a group of alternative lines and assign this group to a line network.

  • You can reproduce multiple work centers by assigning paths the multiple work center.