Chapter 11. ERP/PDM functions

  • Log in to link database

    In order to be able to work with ERP/PDM integration, a connection to the link database has to exist.

    The login may happen automatically or manually. In the second case the following dialog will appear when starting.

    Log in to link database

    Log in to link database

    If you want to log in with another Username, click on Log off and then log in again.

  • Select ERP Role

    If there are different ERP roles available for a certain user, after the login the Select ERP Role dialog is opened.

    If the role shall be change during a session, in the login dialog, click on Change ERP Role.

    -> The Select ERP Role dialog is opened again.

  • / Preferred ranges off / on: After activation only products containing preferred parts are displayed in the product selection, in the table only rows with preferred parts.

    Why a preferred range filter? The use of parts already recorded in ERP/PDM reduces part diversity significantly.

    Normally preferred ranges are defined by the existence of an ERP number. (Also any other definition is possible.) Details on this can be found under Section 4.7.3.1.2, “ Preferred ranges - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "PREFRANGE" ” in PARTsolutions - Administration Manual.

    Products containing characteristics with ERP number are already marked in the product selection by color.

    In this exemplary figure light green means that at least on characteristic is available at two locations..

    In this exemplary figure light green means that at least on characteristic is available at two locations..

    In the table, the icon for the ERP status will show at least on green point (). Lines with a red point are hidden.

    Different status bitmaps in the table

    Different status bitmaps in the table

    The exact meaning of icons and colors can be found in the ERP Legend.

    Call ERP Legend

    Call ERP Legend

    The legend shows the meaning of the Status bitmaps in the table and the Status colors in the product selection.

    ERP Symbol Legend

    ERP Symbol Legend

    [Note]Note

    If the preferred rows filter is turned on, also search results are immediately filtered accordingly.

  • Add dataset to link database / Request ERP number:

    Depending on the intended workflow an ERP number can be added or requested. Details on the configuration of the dialog new ident-no. can be found under Section 4.11, “ Basic design of "new ident-no." dialog box - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [USERDIALOG] ” in PARTsolutions - Administration Manual. Also an automatic assignment of the ERP number can be defined.

    • Add to link database:

      After clicking the button the respective dialog is opened.

      In the list field, select the material and confirm with OK. (The ERP_PDM_NUMBER is automatically generated [depending on intended workflow].)

    • Request ERP number:

      Fill out the form and click on Send E-Mail.

  • Export restriction:

    By default, the Export condition is defined in a way that exporting without ERP number is not possible. Details on this can be found under Section 4.7.3.1.7, “ Export condition - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "EXPORTRESTRICTION" ” in PARTsolutions - Administration Manual.

    When attempting to export a short notification is displayed.

    Notifications can be opened via icon Notifications anytime.

  • Show/hide variable types (columns):

    The different variable types (columns) can be shown or hidden by checkboxes:

    • ERP variables: Variables not managed in the characteristic attribute table, but in the link database (only relevant with ERP integration). This is about data coming from connected systems such as ERP/PDM, meaning e.g. ERP number, material, price, storage, release state, etc.

      It can be configured which ERP columns shall be displayed. Details on this can be found under Section 4.7.3.1.6, “ Columns to be displayed - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "VARSUSED / VARSHIDDEN" ” in PARTsolutions - Administration Manual.

    • Main variables: Variables occurring in NB and LINA are assigned to the group Main variables.

    • Secondary variables: Variables not occurring in NB and LINA are assigned to the group Secondary variables.