Hour Based Duration In Manufacturing

In standard Odoo, manufacturing operation durations are shown only in minutes, which can be less intuitive for planning and reporting purposes. The SME Hour Based Duration in Manufacturing feature enhances the system by allowing users to define and view operation durations in hours as well as minutes. This improvement spans both the Bill of Materials (BOM) and work center configurations.

Key Functionalities:

1. Dual Unit Input:
   1. Allows users to enter operation durations in hours, minutes, or a combination of both.
   2. Enhances clarity by converting and displaying values appropriately based on user preference.
2. Consistent Reporting:
   1. Ensures that all manufacturing reports and dashboards reflect the chosen unit of duration (hours or minutes).
   2. Provides a consistent view across BOMs and work center configurations, facilitating easier analysis and decision-making.
3. Configuration Flexibility:
   1. Users can configure the preferred duration unit in the system settings.
   2. Automatically adjusts calculations to maintain accuracy whether durations are entered in hours or minutes.
4. Seamless Integration:
   1. Integrates with existing manufacturing modules in Odoo without disrupting current workflows.
   2. Enhances user experience by providing a more intuitive method of defining operation times.

Key Benefits:

1. Enhanced Usability:
   Users can work in the unit of time that makes the most sense for their operational context, improving the overall user experience.
2. Improved Clarity:
   Displaying durations in hours helps stakeholders quickly grasp the expected operation times, aiding in better scheduling and planning.
3. Accurate Reporting:
   Consistent duration reporting across manufacturing modules ensures more accurate production planning and performance analysis.
4. Flexible Configuration:
   The system’s ability to switch between hours and minutes allows businesses to adapt the feature to their specific needs and preferences.

Example Use Case:

A manufacturing manager sets up a new work center for assembling products. Instead of entering the operation time as "90" minutes, the manager can now input "1.5 hours" directly. The system automatically converts and displays this information in the preferred unit throughout BOMs and reports. This flexibility improves clarity during shift planning and cost estimation, ensuring that all team members have a clear understanding of the operation durations.

Conclusion

The SME Hour Based Duration in Manufacturing feature significantly improves the flexibility and clarity of time tracking within the manufacturing process. By allowing operation durations to be defined in hours or minutes, it enhances planning, scheduling, and reporting accuracy. This improvement not only streamlines workflows but also contributes to better overall production efficiency by providing more intuitive and consistent time measurements.