❓ FAQs for the Categories Section

Below are clear and detailed answers to the most common questions asked when configuring Categories in Fabritec.

1️⃣ What is a Category and why do I need it?

A Category represents a group of similar item types (e.g., Built-up, Hot Rolled, Trusses).
Categories help Fabritec:

Apply the correct Routes automatically

Organize BOM items in Phase Explorer

Improve production planning and capacity calculations

Group items in dashboards, QC, and reports
Every item must belong to a Category for proper manufacturing logic.

2️⃣ How many Categories should I create for my factory?

You can keep Categories simple or detailed depending on your operations:

Simple factories may use 5–7 main categories

Complex factories may create more specific categories (Beams, Columns, Purlins, Trusses…)
Choose a structure that reflects your manufacturing workflow without creating unnecessary complexity.

3️⃣ What happens if I assign the wrong Category to an item?

The Route and production flow may be assigned incorrectly.
However, you can still fix it by:

Editing the item in Phase Explorer

Reassigning it to the correct Category

Re-generating the Route assignment
Corrections are applied immediately.

4️⃣ Does every item require a Category?

Yes.
Fabritec uses the Category to:

Apply routing

Calculate capacity

Structure reports

Filter items in production and QC
Without a Category, the item cannot move through production.

5️⃣ How does Category Capacity per Month affect planning?

The monthly capacity helps Fabritec:

Estimate load on your factory

Understand production limitations

Support forecasting and resource allocation
If capacity is too low or too high, planning and dashboards may become inaccurate.

6️⃣ Can a Category be linked to more than one Route?

Yes.
A single Category (e.g., Built-up) can have multiple Routes for different item types such as:

Built-up Columns

Built-up Beams

Frames
Routes provide flexibility while Categories keep your items organized.

7️⃣ What unit is used for the monthly capacity, and can I change it?

The capacity unit follows your Preferences settings (kg, tons, lbs).
You can change these units anytime in:
Settings → Preferences
The system will automatically reflect the new unit.

8️⃣ Can I delete a Category that is already used in a project?

No.
Fabritec prevents deletion of Categories linked to:

Items in Phase Explorer

Active Routes

Production logs
This protects your project integrity.
You must remove dependencies before deleting.

9️⃣ Do Categories affect dashboards and reports?

Yes.
Categories appear in:

Productivity reports

Phase reports

Stage reports

Backlog reports

Shipping reports
They help break down performance by item type.

🔟 Should I separate Built-up Beams and Built-up Columns into different Categories?

Not required — but possible.
If they follow different Routes or workflows, you may separate them.
If they share similar behavior, keep them under one Category and differentiate via Marks or Routes.

11️⃣ How do Categories impact the BOM import process?

When you upload items in Phase Explorer:

Fabritec assigns each item to a Category

Items are grouped and displayed based on Category

Routes may be automatically matched
This ensures clean organization and correct routing.

12️⃣ Can I change a Category name later without issues?

Yes.
Renaming a Category does not affect historical production data or existing items.
However, changing too frequently may confuse teams — keep names consistent.

13️⃣ What is the difference between Category Description and Name?

Name → The official category label (e.g., Built-up, Hot Rolled).

Description → Extra context explaining items under this category.
Descriptions help new team members understand the structure.

14️⃣ Are Categories only for structural steel, or can they be used for accessories and non-structural items?

Categories can be used for any item type, including:

Handrails

Platforms

Brackets

Mechanical parts

Accessories
This flexibility allows Fabritec to support any fabrication workflow.

15️⃣ How do Categories help with filtering and searching?

Categories make it easier to filter items across:

Phase Explorer

Tracking

Production reports

Shipping analysis
They improve navigation and overall system clarity.

FAQs for the Categories

❓ FAQs for the Categories Section#

1️⃣ What is a Category and why do I need it?#

2️⃣ How many Categories should I create for my factory?#

3️⃣ What happens if I assign the wrong Category to an item?#

4️⃣ Does every item require a Category?#

5️⃣ How does Category Capacity per Month affect planning?#

6️⃣ Can a Category be linked to more than one Route?#

7️⃣ What unit is used for the monthly capacity, and can I change it?#

8️⃣ Can I delete a Category that is already used in a project?#

9️⃣ Do Categories affect dashboards and reports?#

🔟 Should I separate Built-up Beams and Built-up Columns into different Categories?#

11️⃣ How do Categories impact the BOM import process?#

12️⃣ Can I change a Category name later without issues?#

13️⃣ What is the difference between Category Description and Name?#

14️⃣ Are Categories only for structural steel, or can they be used for accessories and non-structural items?#

15️⃣ How do Categories help with filtering and searching?#