# Define operations manually

Add tool assemblies, cycle times, and tool numbers to operations inside Tooling Metrics.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/engineering/guides/define-operations/
Updated: 2026-10-29

**Prerequisites:** A project and job exist. Tool assemblies are set up in the Library.

**Required permission:** Engineering → Jobs — User or above. Admins can add and reorder operations on any job; Managers and Users only on the jobs they created.

## Add an operation to a job

1. In the sidebar, click **Engineering → Projects** and open the project.
1. Open the **Job** you want to add operations to.
1. In the **Operations** tab, click **+** at the bottom of the operation list.
1. Enter a **Name** for the operation.
1. Select the **Tool Assembly** for this operation.
1. Enter the **Tool No.**
1. Enter the **Est. Cycle Time**, in seconds — this is required.
1. Click **Create**.

## Reorder operations

1. In the job's **Operations** tab, drag operations to the desired position using the ≡ handle at the right end of each row.
1. The operations list reflects the new order immediately.

## Notes

- Operations can also be generated automatically by parsing attached NC programs, from the job's **NC Programs** tab. Use the manual approach for jobs that don't originate from an NC program.
- Each operation maps one tool assembly to one position in the sequence. If the same assembly is used in two positions (e.g., roughing pass and finishing pass), add two separate operations.
- NC programs are attached to the **job**, not to individual operations — use the job's **NC Programs** tab.