# Production

Prepare tools for each job, move them to machines and back, and record runtime.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/

## [Get started](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials.md)

- [Build a tool from a setup sheet](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/assemble-tool-from-setup-sheet.md): Create a Tool from a Tool Assembly and generate a pick list for its components.
- [Create a machine](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/create-machine.md): Register the CNC machine and its tooling interfaces in Tooling Metrics.
- [Process your first pick list](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/process-pick-list.md): Take a pick list from Waiting through to Done and collect the components.
- [Set up the machine](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/set-up-machine.md): Assemble the tool, release it, transfer it to the machine, and assign its slot number.
- [Record runtime](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/record-runtime.md): Bring the tool back from the machine — this is also how Tooling Metrics captures how long it ran.
- [Return tools](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/return-tools.md): Validate the return, enter runtime, and decide whether to disassemble the tool.
- [Check and scrap a worn piece](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/tutorials/track-tool-condition.md): Check a mounted piece's condition and scrap a worn one so it's excluded from the next job.

## [Guides](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides.md)

- [Prepare tools for a job](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/prepare-tools.md): Create a tool in Tooling Metrics, pick its components from the warehouse, assemble it, and move it to a machine.
- [Process a pick list](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/process-pick-list.md): Work a pick list from Waiting through to Done, at the office or at a WAP terminal.
- [Record tool runtime](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/record-runtime.md): Enter how long a tool ran when it comes back from a machine.
- [Track tool condition](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/track-tool-condition.md): See how a mounted piece's condition changes, and replace a cutting edge when it's worn out.
- [Process a return list](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/process-return-list.md): Return tools and items from a machine or WAP to storage, and update usage life on the way in.
- [Manage a tool crib](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/manage-tool-crib.md): Assign a slot number to a tool loaded in a machine, so it matches the NC program's T-codes.
- [Renumber tools for an NC program](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/renumber-tools-for-nc-program.md): Reconcile tool numbers between the machine's tool crib and the job's operations before running the NC program.
- [Find tools in circulation](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/find-tools-in-circulation.md): See every tool and item currently outside storage — on machines, at assembly, or at a service vendor — and locate any specific one.
- [Review a tool's lifecycle history](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/guides/review-tool-lifecycle-history.md): Trace everything a tool has been through — movements, assemblies, posted costs, and recorded lives — from one record.

## [Reference](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/reference.md)

- [Tools](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/reference/tools.md): Tool record fields, status and condition values, tabs, and commands.
- [Pick lists](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/reference/pick-lists.md): Pick list fields, status flow, and line status values.
- [Return lists](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/reference/return-lists.md): Return list fields, status flow, and line status values.
- [Machines](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/production/reference/machines.md): Machine document fields, components, tool crib, and interfaces.

For the tool room, setup technicians, and machine operators; in smaller shops, often one person. Production starts from a released setup sheet, which lists each tool the job needs and where it is now. Start with **Get started** once a setup sheet is released and stock is in the warehouse.

For how a tool travels from the warehouse to the machine and back, read [How the digital tool flow works](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/start-here/tool-lifecycle/).