Resource Model in Dynamics AX 2012 (Part 1)

In Dynamics AX 2012 a number of impacting enhancements have been realized around resource scheduling. In previous versions of Dynamics AX the use of resources scheduling was restricted when the processes applicable within an organization were complex. A known example is the use of alternative resources. In AX 2009 the use of taskgroups was needed for which it was a prerequisite to use taskscheduling. In Dynamics AX 2012 this is not required any longer because of a number of features.

1. Resource Types

Next to defining people, machines and tools also locations can also be defined as a resource in Dynamics AX 2012. This will enable using locations in resource scheduling in case this resource type must be considered as bottleneck.

2. Configuration of resources are simplified and usable for multiple purposes

Resources and resource groups (was: workcenter(groups)) only needs to be created once. In previous versions of Dynamics AX workcenters had to be duplicated if it was to be used for multiple situations. In addition, resources can be assigned to a specific group of resources based on a predefined effectiveness period.

Another big enhancement is the assignment of compentences to a resource which are partly connected to the human resource module in Dynamics AX.

These resource capabilities can be defined as follows.

The matrix of compentences visualizes the skills per resource and resource group as illustrated below. This provides the planner a quick overview of capabilities and skills for each resource (group). Determining the right resource for the job is peace-of-cake for the job scheduler. Answering simple questions like who has the right certificates to execute the operation can be checked in this overview.

3. Resource planning

Dynamics AX 2012 gives the possibility to define a production route based on required capabilities. These capabilities relate to required machines, tools, people, locations and other resource types. The resources which have the capabilities assigned are applied during the resource scheduling when planning workorders.

In short Dynamics AX simplifies job scheduling of workcenters by:

• Assigning resources to capabilities and skills;
• Defining production routes (manufacturing operations) to required resource capabilities.

Dynamics AX also gives you more flexibility in using resources for generating a rough cut capacity planning and a detailed job scheduling. In previous versions of Dynamics resource groups and resources had to be duplicated to simulate resource planning at different levels.

The route feasibility overview (see below) gives the job scheduler the required information to determine bottlenecks of a specific operation. Also, it can be checked which resources can be used as an alternative based on the required capabilities. In a nutshell some great features to make life easier for a job planner.