WorkStations

The Work Stations page allows authorized users to create, organize, and configure the machines, production areas, and labour-driven stations used throughout Fabritec.

A Work Station represents the physical or operational resource where a production activity is performed.

Examples include:

CNC Cutting Machine

Pipe Bending Machine

Plate Rolling Machine

MIG/MAG Welding Station

Automatic Welding Machine

Painting Area

Assembly Station

Packing Station

Each Work Station can be connected to its:

Default Production Stage

Work Calendar

Operating type

Stream type

Production capacities

Default operators

Shift-specific operator links

Productivity and scheduling records

Correct Work Station setup is important because Fabritec uses this information to calculate production capacity, operator coverage, workstation availability, machine load, utilization, maintenance downtime, and productivity.

Where to Find Work Stations

Navigate to:

Production Setup → Work Stations

The page displays the Work Stations available in the organization.

The information and actions available depend on the logged-in user’s permissions.

What Work Stations Control

Work Stations connect the factory’s production setup with daily operational execution.

They help Fabritec determine:

Which Production Stage a workstation serves

Which calendar and working days apply to the workstation

Which shifts are scheduled to run

Which operators are normally eligible to operate the workstation

How much the workstation can produce per hour

Whether the workstation is machine-driven, labour-driven, or both

How pending work should be compared with available capacity

How workstation productivity should be calculated

How maintenance downtime affects workstation availability

A Work Station should represent a real production resource that teams can schedule, operate, monitor, and report on.

Work Stations Page

The Work Stations page contains:

Workstation grid

Column controls

Column filters

Excel Export

PDF Export

Clear Filter

Reset Cache

Workstation Productivity

Add Work Station

Workstation actions

The grid may require horizontal scrolling to display all available columns.

Workstation Grid

Each row represents one Work Station.

The columns displayed may include:

Code

Name

Status

Type

Effective Date

Default Production Stage

Direct Default Production Stage

Workstation Group

Work Calendar

Capacities

Linked Labours

Actions

The exact columns can be controlled using the Columns button.

Code

Displays the unique workstation code.

Examples:

CNC-01

WELD-04

BEND-02

The code should remain clear and unique so users can identify the workstation in schedules, reports, production records, maintenance orders, and exports.

Name

Displays the workstation name.

Examples:

Pipe Bending Machine

Angle Bending Machine

Plate Rolling Machine

MIG/MAG Welding Station

Automatic Welding Machine

Use a name that shop-floor and management users can recognize immediately.

Avoid using generic names such as:

Machine 1

Station A

New Workstation

unless the same naming convention is already used physically in the factory.

Status

Displays the workstation’s current stored status.

Common states may include:

Idle

Running

Under Maintenance

Broken

Maintenance workflows can change the workstation status when a breakdown is reported or a maintenance order is started or completed.

Workstation Setup Status and Productivity Status

The status shown on the Production Setup page should not be confused with the live status shown in Workstation Productivity or the Andon board.

Recording production progress does not directly change the stored workstation status.

Workstation Productivity calculates the live operational status using information such as:

Recorded production

Planned shifts

Operator coverage

Maintenance downtime

Workstation utilization

A workstation may therefore display Idle in its setup record while the Productivity page shows it as Running based on current production activity.

Type

Displays how the workstation is mainly operated.

Available types may include:

Machine Driven

Labour Driven

Machine and Labour Driven

Machine Driven

Use this type when production depends mainly on a machine.

Examples:

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Laser Cutting Machine

Plate Rolling Machine

Automatic Welding Machine

Labour Driven

Use this type when production depends mainly on manual labour or a work team.

Examples:

Manual Welding Station

Assembly Area

Painting Preparation Area

Packing Station

Machine and Labour Driven

Use this type when production requires both a machine and assigned labour resources.

Examples:

Semi-automatic welding station

Press brake requiring a dedicated operator

Machine-assisted assembly station

The selected type provides operational context for workstation setup and reporting.

Effective Date

Displays the date from which the current workstation configuration applies.

The Effective Date helps Fabritec maintain time-based scheduling and capacity information without treating every configuration change as if it had always existed.

For example, when a new workstation begins operating on January 1, its Effective Date should reflect that operational start date.

When editing a workstation, review the Effective Date carefully before saving.

Default Production Stage

The Default Production Stage identifies the main production activity performed by the workstation.

Examples include:

Cutting

Bending

Rolling

Welding

Painting

Galvanizing

Assembly

The value helps connect the workstation with:

Production workflow

Pending production demand

Stage-level planning

Operator eligibility

Productivity reporting

Machine-load calculations

The grid may display a source badge beside the Production Stage.

Direct Production Stage

A Direct badge means the Production Stage was selected directly on the workstation.

Example:

Workstation: Pipe Bending Machine

Default Production Stage: Bending

Source: Direct

The Direct Default Production Stage column shows the stage entered directly on the workstation record.

Inherited Production Stage

An Inherited badge means the workstation receives its resolved Production Stage from another production setup configuration.

When a stage is inherited, the Direct Default Production Stage field may be empty.

Detailed setup and inheritance rules are covered in the separate Workstation Groups article.

Work Calendar

The Work Calendar determines when the workstation is expected to operate.

It controls:

Working days

Non-working weekdays

Shift schedules

Planned working hours

Break deductions

Holidays

Workstation availability

Capacity calculations

The grid may display:

Calendar name

Follow Default

Default calendar source

Example:

Work Calendar: Main

Setting: Follow Default

Source: Shop Default (Production)

Follow Default

Select Follow Default when the workstation should use the organization’s default production Work Calendar.

This is useful when most workstations follow the same factory schedule.

Changes made to the default production calendar can then apply without editing every workstation separately.

Specific Work Calendar

Select a specific Work Calendar when the workstation follows a different operating schedule.

Examples include:

A machine that operates only during the night shift

A workstation that operates six days per week

A subcontracted area with a separate calendar

A workstation that does not operate during a particular shift

Use a specific calendar only when the workstation’s schedule is genuinely different from the production default.

Capacities

The Capacities column displays the configured production rates for the workstation.

Examples include:

Pieces: 1 per hour

Length: 500 m per hour

Weight: 2 tonnes per hour

Area: 100 m² per hour

A workstation can have more than one capacity definition.

For example, a Pipe Bending Machine may be configured with:

Quantity: 1 piece per hour

Length: 500 meters per hour

This allows Fabritec to review the workstation using different measurable production units.

Capacity information supports:

Production planning

Machine-load analysis

Workstation comparisons

Capacity reporting

Pending-work evaluation

Productivity context

Supported Capacity Types

Depending on the company configuration, Capacity Types may include:

Quantity

Length

Area

Weight

Volume

Each capacity row contains:

Capacity Type

Capacity per Hour

Unit

Capacity Type

Defines what the workstation’s output is measured in.

Examples:

Capacity Type	Typical Unit
Quantity	pcs
Length	m
Area	m²
Weight	kg or t
Volume	m³

Capacity per Hour

Defines the workstation’s expected hourly production rate.

Example:

Capacity Type: Quantity

Capacity per Hour: 1

Unit: pcs

This means the configured workstation capacity is one piece per hour.

Another example:

Capacity Type: Length

Capacity per Hour: 500

Unit: m

This means the configured workstation capacity is 500 meters per hour.

Use a realistic sustainable rate rather than the maximum theoretical machine speed.

Unit

Displays the unit connected to the selected Capacity Type.

Examples include:

pcs

m²

m³

The unit should match the way production output is recorded in Fabritec.

Linked Labours

The Linked Labours column displays the operators who are normally connected to the workstation.

Each operator may appear with:

Name

Shift scope

Examples:

Bassem Farouk — Any Shift

Fares Saad — Any Shift

Khaled Mostafa — Any Shift

When more operators are linked than can be displayed in the row, Fabritec shows an additional count such as:

Open the operator-management action to review the complete list.

What Linked Operators Mean

A linked operator is a default relationship between a labour resource and a workstation.

It tells Fabritec that the person is normally eligible to operate or cover that workstation.

Linked operators support:

Workstation staffing

Shift-coverage resolution

Operator assignment suggestions

Schedule auto-fill

Workstation detail

Andon operator display

Capacity and coverage calculations

A default link does not necessarily mean the person operates the workstation every day.

Daily staffing also depends on:

The operator’s resolved shift

Attendance and leave

Day-specific workstation assignments

Shift exceptions or one-day covers

Other workstation assignments

How Fabritec Resolves Workstation Operators

For each workstation, date, and shift, Fabritec resolves operator coverage using the following order:

Day-specific operator assignment

Default workstation operator link

Production-stage eligible labour

Unstaffed

The most specific available source is used first.

1. Day-Specific Assignment

A manual or automatic dated assignment is authoritative for that workstation, date, and shift.

Use dated assignments when a supervisor needs to confirm exactly who will operate a workstation on a particular day.

2. Default Workstation Link

When no dated assignment exists, Fabritec can use an eligible operator linked directly to the workstation.

The operator must still:

Resolve to the relevant shift

Be present

Not be absent or on leave

Not already be assigned elsewhere for the same period

3. Production-Stage Eligible Labour

When no eligible direct workstation link is available, Fabritec may use labour linked to the workstation’s Production Stage.

This coverage may appear as Derived in scheduling and productivity views.

Derived coverage means the person was selected from the wider Production Stage labour pool rather than from a direct workstation link.

4. Unstaffed

If no valid operator is available, the workstation shift is considered unstaffed.

Unstaffed planned hours can affect:

Staffed capacity

Coverage-gap hours

Workstation utilization

Machine-load availability

Workstation status

Productivity reporting

One Operator Cannot Staff Multiple Workstations at the Same Time

Without a day-specific assignment, Fabritec distributes eligible operators across workstations so that one person does not count as staffing several machines during the same shift.

When an operator is explicitly assigned to a workstation for a date and shift, they are excluded from passive coverage on other workstations for that same period.

This keeps staffing and capacity calculations realistic.

Shift Scope

Each workstation-operator link contains a Shift Scope.

The Shift Scope determines when the link can be used.

Available options may include:

Any Shift

A specific configured shift

Any Shift

Select Any Shift when the operator may operate the workstation during any shift to which they are assigned.

Any Shift does not make the operator present on every shift.

The operator counts only when their actual resolved shift matches the workstation shift for that date.

Specific Shift

Select a specific shift when the operator should be linked to the workstation only during that shift.

Example:

Operator: Ahmed Hassan

Workstation: Automatic Welding Machine

Shift Scope: Night Shift

Fabritec will not use this default link for the Morning Shift.

Shift-specific links are useful when:

Machines have dedicated day and night operators

Operators work only during selected shifts

Supervisors need tighter default staffing control

Searching and Reviewing Workstations

Search

Use the Search field to find a workstation using information such as:

Code

Name

Production Stage

Work Calendar

Search works together with active grid filters.

Column Filters

Use the filter icon in a column header to narrow the grid by that column.

Filters may be applied to fields such as:

Code

Name

Status

Type

Production Stage

Work Calendar

Clear Filter

Click Clear Filter to remove active grid filters.

This restores the complete list of workstations available to the user.

Columns

Click Columns to show or hide grid columns.

Use this when reviewing a particular configuration area.

For example, users managing operator setup may display:

Workstation Name

Production Stage

Work Calendar

Linked Labours

Actions

Reset Cache

Click Reset Cache when the grid appears outdated after configuration changes.

This rebuilds the grid’s cached display data.

Use it when recently saved information is still not displayed correctly after reloading the page.

Excel Export

Click Excel Export to export the workstation grid for external review or reporting.

The exported information may reflect:

Active filters

Visible records

Available columns

PDF Export

Click PDF Export to create a PDF version of the workstation data.

Review the visible columns before exporting to keep the report readable.

Adding a Work Station

To create a new workstation:

Navigate to Production Setup → Work Stations.

Click Add Work Station.

Enter the Code.

Enter the Name.

Select the Default Production Stage when required.

Select a Workstation Group when applicable.

Select the Work Calendar behavior.

Select the Type.

Select the Stream Type.

10.

Add one or more capacity definitions.

11.

Enter a Description when required.

12.

Review the configuration.

13.

Click Add Work Station.

Add Work Station Form

The form contains the following fields:

Code

Name

Default Production Stage

Workstation Group

Work Calendar

Type

Stream Type

Capacities

Description

Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Workstation Group configuration is explained separately in the Workstation Groups article.

Code

Required field.

Enter a unique workstation code.

Example:

CNC-PL-01

Recommended format:

Short

Unique

Easy to recognize

Consistent with factory labels

Name

Required field.

Enter the operational workstation name.

Example:

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine 01

Use the same name used by operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams.

Default Production Stage

Select the main Production Stage served by the workstation.

Example:

Workstation: CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Default Production Stage: Cutting

Leave the direct stage empty only when the stage should be supplied through another configured setup or when no default stage is currently required.

Workstation Group

Select a Workstation Group when the workstation should belong to an existing group.

Select None when no group should be assigned.

For detailed instructions about creating groups, inherited values, and group-level behavior, refer to the separate Workstation Groups article.

Work Calendar

Select how Fabritec should determine the workstation schedule.

Available choices may include:

Follow Default

A specific Work Calendar

Use Follow Default for standard production workstations.

Use a specific calendar only when the workstation follows a different schedule.

Type

Required field.

Select:

Machine Driven

Labour Driven

Machine and Labour Driven

Choose the option that best represents how production is executed at the workstation.

Stream Type

Required field.

The Stream Type describes how work moves through the workstation.

Available options may include:

Single

Continuous

Single

Use Single when work is processed as separate jobs, items, or batches.

Examples:

Pipe bending

Plate rolling

Manual welding

Assembly

Continuous

Use Continuous when production flows continuously through the workstation.

Examples:

Continuous coating line

Conveyor-based process

Continuous forming line

Select the option that reflects the real production process.

Adding Capacity

To add a capacity definition:

Click Add Capacity.

Select the Capacity Type.

Enter the Capacity per Hour.

Confirm the Unit.

Add another capacity when the workstation must be measured in more than one way.

To remove a capacity row:

Locate the capacity definition.

Click Remove Capacity.

Review the remaining configuration before saving.

A workstation may contain multiple capacity definitions.

Capacity Example

For a Pipe Bending Machine:

Capacity Type	Capacity per Hour	Unit
Quantity	1	pcs
Length	500	m

For a Painting Area:

Capacity Type	Capacity per Hour	Unit
Area	120	m²
Weight	5	t

Use capacity units that match the production data recorded in Fabritec.

Description

Enter additional information about the workstation.

The rich-text editor supports formatting such as:

Bold

Italic

Underline

Paragraph styles

Numbered lists

Bulleted lists

Links

The Description may include:

Machine model

Operational purpose

Supported materials

Size limits

Process limitations

Safety requirements

Special operating instructions

Example:

CNC-controlled pipe bending machine used for carbon-steel pipes up to the approved diameter and wall-thickness limits.

Descriptions provide context but should not replace formal operating or safety documentation.

Editing a Work Station

To edit a workstation:

Navigate to Production Setup → Work Stations.

Locate the required workstation.

Click the Edit action.

Review the current Code and Name.

Review the Effective Date.

Update the Production Stage when required.

Update the Work Calendar.

Update the Type or Stream Type when required.

Add, edit, or remove capacities.

10.

Update the Description.

11.

Click Save.

Configuration changes can affect scheduling, productivity, and capacity calculations.

Review downstream effects before saving major changes.

Editing the Effective Date

The Effective Date determines when the edited configuration becomes applicable.

Use the date on which the operational change actually begins.

Examples include:

A workstation moves to a new Production Stage

A new Work Calendar begins

A machine capacity changes after an upgrade

A workstation begins operating for the first time

Avoid using an earlier date unless the configuration should apply to historical scheduling periods.

Managing Workstation Operators

To manage the default operators linked to a workstation:

Navigate to Production Setup → Work Stations.

Locate the required workstation.

Click the Manage Operators action.

Select one or more operators.

Review each operator’s details.

Select the Shift Scope for each link.

Remove any operator who should no longer be linked.

Click Save Changes.

Managing workstation operator links normally requires the appropriate shift-management permission.

Manage Workstation Operators Window

The window displays:

Workstation name

Operator selection

Name

Code

Job Title

Labour Group or Department

Crew

Shift Scope

Remove action

This information helps supervisors confirm that the correct labour resources are being connected.

Operator Selection

Use the Operators field to select one or more labour resources.

The selected values may display information such as:

Operator name

Labour code

Job title

Example:

Bassem Farouk

LAB-016

Pipe Bending Operator

After selection, each operator appears as a separate row.

Name

Displays the labour resource’s name.

Code

Displays the labour code.

The code helps distinguish users who have similar names.

Job Title

Displays the configured Labour Title.

Examples include:

Pipe Bending Operator

Welder

Machine Operator

Quality Inspector

Sandblaster

The Job Title helps supervisors review whether the person is operationally suitable for the workstation.

Fabritec does not automatically treat the Job Title as a formal skills or certification check unless such controls are configured separately.

Labour Group or Department

Displays the operator’s Labour Group or Department when available.

This supports team and organizational review.

A dash means no value is currently assigned.

Crew

Displays the operator’s Crew when available.

Crew information helps supervisors understand the person’s normal shift or team context.

A dash means the person is not currently assigned to a Crew.

Shift Scope

Select:

Any Shift

A specific shift

Review this value for every operator before saving.

Removing a Linked Operator

To remove a default link:

Locate the operator row.

Click the Delete icon.

Review the remaining operators.

Click Save Changes.

Removing a default link does not delete historical production activity performed by that operator.

It removes the person from the workstation’s future default operator pool.

Existing day-specific assignments may need to be reviewed separately.

Opening Workstation Productivity

Click Workstation Productivity to open the workstation performance overview.

The Productivity area helps authorized users review:

Current workstation status

Output

Machine hours

Hours per unit

Utilization

Coverage-gap hours

Rework

OEE

Machine load

Maintenance information

Workstation details

Access normally requires the View Workstation Productivity permission.

Workstation Row Actions

Depending on permissions and configuration, the Actions column may provide options to:

Open workstation details or productivity

Manage operators

Edit the workstation

Delete or retire the workstation

Only use the Delete action when the workstation record is no longer required and its operational dependencies have been reviewed.

For a temporarily unavailable machine, use the appropriate maintenance workflow instead of deleting the workstation.

How Work Station Setup Affects Fabritec

Production

The Default Production Stage connects the workstation with production activities and pending work.

Incorrect stage configuration can cause work to appear under the wrong workstation or capacity context.

Scheduling

The Work Calendar defines planned working time.

Operator links help determine whether a planned shift is staffed.

Capacity

Capacity definitions provide the workstation’s expected production rate and support planning and machine-load reviews.

Productivity

Fabritec combines:

Planned working hours

Operator coverage

Maintenance downtime

Recorded production duration

Production output

Rework

to calculate workstation productivity.

Maintenance

Breakdowns and maintenance orders can place the workstation under maintenance or mark it as broken.

Maintenance downtime is deducted separately from operator coverage gaps.

Workforce

Linked operators connect labour resources with the workstations they normally operate.

Attendance, resolved shifts, leave, and day-specific assignments still determine actual coverage.

Permissions

Relevant permissions may include:

Permission to view Production Setup

Permission to create or edit Work Stations

Permission to delete or retire Work Stations

Manage Shifts for operator links and staffing assignments

View Workstation Productivity for productivity pages

Maintenance permissions for workstation maintenance details and actions

A user may be able to view workstation information without being able to change it.

Governance Rules

Every workstation must have a unique Code.

Every workstation must have a clear Name.

Select a Type that matches the real operating method.

Select the correct Stream Type.

Configure the correct Default Production Stage.

Use Follow Default only when the workstation follows the standard production calendar.

Capacity per hour must use a valid positive value.

Capacity Units should match recorded production units.

A workstation may contain multiple capacity definitions.

Linked operators are default eligibility links, not automatic daily attendance.

Any Shift does not mean the operator is available on every shift.

An operator must be present and resolved to the shift before counting toward coverage.

A single operator must not count as staffing several workstations at the same time.

Maintenance downtime and operator coverage gaps are calculated separately.

Use maintenance workflows for temporarily broken or unavailable workstations.

Review Effective Dates before applying configuration changes.

⭐ Best Practices

Use the same workstation Code displayed physically in the factory.

Give each workstation a clear operational Name.

Avoid duplicate records for the same machine.

Assign the correct Default Production Stage.

Keep most standard workstations on Follow Default.

Use a specific Work Calendar only when the schedule is different.

Configure realistic sustainable capacity rates.

Use capacity units that match production reporting.

Add more than one capacity only when each measure is operationally useful.

Link operators who normally operate the workstation.

Apply specific Shift Scopes when day and night teams are different.

Review linked operators when employees change roles, shifts, crews, or departments.

Use day-specific assignments for temporary staffing plans.

Keep the Description focused on useful operational context.

Review Workstation Productivity after changing calendars, capacities, or operator links.

Do not delete a workstation to represent temporary maintenance downtime.

Keep Work Station setup aligned with the real factory layout and operating process.

Production Stages – Steps performed by each workstation

Routes – How workstations are used inside workflows

Labours – Assigning people to stations

Shifts – Scheduling workers around workstation availability

Where to Find Work Stations#

What Work Stations Control#

Work Stations Page#

Workstation Grid#

Code#

Name#

Status#

Workstation Setup Status and Productivity Status#

Type#

Machine Driven#

Labour Driven#

Machine and Labour Driven#

Effective Date#

Default Production Stage#

Direct Production Stage#

Inherited Production Stage#

Work Calendar#

Follow Default#

Specific Work Calendar#

Capacities#

Supported Capacity Types#

Capacity Type#

Capacity per Hour#

Unit#

Linked Labours#

What Linked Operators Mean#

How Fabritec Resolves Workstation Operators#

1. Day-Specific Assignment#

2. Default Workstation Link#

3. Production-Stage Eligible Labour#

4. Unstaffed#

One Operator Cannot Staff Multiple Workstations at the Same Time#

Shift Scope#

Any Shift#

Specific Shift#

Searching and Reviewing Workstations#

Search#

Column Filters#

Clear Filter#

Columns#

Reset Cache#

Excel Export#

PDF Export#

Adding a Work Station#

Add Work Station Form#

Code#

Name#

Default Production Stage#

Workstation Group#

Work Calendar#

Type#

Stream Type#

Single#

Continuous#

Adding Capacity#

Capacity Example#

Description#

Editing a Work Station#

Editing the Effective Date#

Managing Workstation Operators#

Manage Workstation Operators Window#

Operator Selection#

Name#

Code#

Job Title#

Labour Group or Department#

Crew#

Shift Scope#

Removing a Linked Operator#

Opening Workstation Productivity#

Workstation Row Actions#

How Work Station Setup Affects Fabritec#

Production#

Scheduling#

Capacity#

Productivity#

Maintenance#

Workforce#

Permissions#

Where to Find Work Stations

What Work Stations Control

Work Stations Page

Workstation Grid

Code

Name

Status

Workstation Setup Status and Productivity Status

Type

Machine Driven

Labour Driven

Machine and Labour Driven

Effective Date

Default Production Stage

Direct Production Stage

Inherited Production Stage

Work Calendar

Follow Default

Specific Work Calendar

Capacities

Supported Capacity Types

Capacity Type

Capacity per Hour

Unit

Linked Labours

What Linked Operators Mean

How Fabritec Resolves Workstation Operators

1. Day-Specific Assignment

2. Default Workstation Link

3. Production-Stage Eligible Labour

4. Unstaffed

One Operator Cannot Staff Multiple Workstations at the Same Time

Shift Scope

Any Shift

Specific Shift

Searching and Reviewing Workstations

Search

Column Filters

Clear Filter

Columns

Reset Cache

Excel Export

PDF Export

Adding a Work Station

Add Work Station Form

Code

Name

Default Production Stage

Workstation Group

Work Calendar

Type

Stream Type

Single

Continuous

Adding Capacity

Capacity Example

Description

Editing a Work Station

Editing the Effective Date

Managing Workstation Operators

Manage Workstation Operators Window

Operator Selection

Name

Code

Job Title

Labour Group or Department

Crew

Shift Scope

Removing a Linked Operator

Opening Workstation Productivity

Workstation Row Actions

How Work Station Setup Affects Fabritec

Production

Scheduling

Capacity

Productivity

Maintenance

Workforce

Permissions

Governance Rules