Parts

Introduction

In Building Swell, you can now associate specific parts required for a stage within a route. This enhancement allows you to track production progress more accurately by either marking parts or steps as complete—and have the system automatically reflect updates across both. This guide walks you through how this works in practice, including part scaling, dual view modes, and how completion impacts downstream actions like sending items ahead.

Step-by-Step Guide

Adding Parts to a Stage

1. Navigate to the Rules Engine.

2. Select an existing route or create a new one.

   Open the stage you want to configure.

   Under the Parts section, add the required parts and specify how many of each are needed to complete one unit at that stage.

   • Example: Framing stage → 50 nails and 25 4x4s per unit.

Once saved, these part requirements will automatically scale based on the quantity of the order using this route.

Note: You can can also view/add Parts within the route and associated stages by clicking into the Parts tab on the Route.

Viewing Orders by Steps

1. Navigate to an order using a parts-enabled route.

2. Select the Steps View.

   Expand a step to see the associated parts and their progress.

   Enter step completions manually (e.g., 1 of 3) to automatically fill in corresponding parts based on per-unit needs.

   • Example: 1 step = 50 nails + 25 4x4s → marking 1/3 fills in 50/150 nails and 25/75 4x4s.
3. Alternatively, enter individual part completions (e.g., 50 nails and 25 4x4s) to mark the corresponding step as 1/3 complete.

This view is ideal when you think in terms of sequential task completion.

Viewing Orders by Parts

1. In the same order, switch to the Parts View.

2. Each part is shown with a progress bar (e.g., 75/150 nails).

   Expand a part to view all steps it’s used in.

   Enter part quantities directly to update the relevant step completions.

   • Example: Entering 100 nails and 50 4x4s updates the step to 2/3 completed.

This view is ideal for material tracking and batch entry of consumed parts.

How Completion is Tracked

• Completion progress only updates when all parts required for a step have been satisfied in full.
• Partial part entries (e.g., 10 out of 50 nails) do not increment step progress.
• If a step needs 50 nails and 25 4x4s, both must be fully marked for 1 unit to count toward progress.

Sending Ahead to the Next Stage

• To send units to the next stage, at least one unit worth of parts must be completed.
• If you reduce any part below the per-unit requirement (e.g., 24/25 4x4s), the send ahead button will grey out.
• Once you meet or exceed the threshold again (e.g., 25/25), the send ahead option will return.

Tips & Tricks

• You can toggle between Steps View and Parts View at any time to suit your workflow.
• Use Steps View for process-focused updates; use Parts View for inventory and fulfillment control.
• Order quantities scale total required parts automatically—no manual math needed.

FAQ

Does updating a step affect parts?

Yes. When you mark a step as complete, the system auto-fills part quantities for that step.

Can I update parts instead of steps?

Yes. Adding enough parts to fulfill one step will automatically mark that step as complete.

What if I partially complete a step’s parts?

Progress will not be counted until all part requirements for the step are satisfied.

Do completion percentages reflect partial parts?

No. Only fully completed steps for a full unit (based on part requirements) impact progress metrics.

Conclusion

The ability to associate parts with stages in a route gives teams better visibility and flexibility when managing production. Whether you're tracking by task completion or part usage, Building Swell keeps both views in sync—ensuring that your operational data is accurate and actionable.