Set up the machine

Prerequisites: The pick list for the tool has been validated — its components are ready to mount. Required permission: Production → Tools — User or above to release the tool (Admins can release any tool; Managers and Users only the tools they created); Production → Tool Transfers — User or above; Production → Machines — User or above to assign the pocket number.

Assemble and release the tool

1. Physically mount the picked components onto the tool, following its assembly drawing.
2. Once every required component is on it, the tool is marked Completed automatically (or toggle it yourself with Mark as Completed).
3. Open the tool and click Release. This is the tool’s birth record — Tooling Metrics logs its first move from the assembly area to its Warehouse Access Point automatically.
4. Print a Tool Tag and attach it to the physical tool.

Transfer the tool to the machine

Tools move from the WAP to a Machine through a Tool Transfer, created at the WAP terminal:

1. At the WAP, open Tool Station → Tool Transfers. Under New Tool Transfer to, click the destination machine.
2. Add the tool from the inventory panel, then click Create. The transfer is created in Waiting status.
3. Click Check Availability, then Validate.

The tool’s Location updates to the machine, and — if any of its mounted items post cost per pick — usage cost is posted for each of them at that moment.

Assign the pocket number

1. In the sidebar, click Production → Machines → select your machine → the Tool Crib tab. The tool now appears in the list.
2. Click its Pocket No., then in the Assign Slot Number dialog select the Machine Component (head, turret, or gang) and enter the Pocket No. — this is the position NC programs refer to as a T-code.
3. Click Update.

If the crib has drifted from what the job’s operations expect, reconcile it with Renumber tools for an NC program before running the job.

Prepare multiple tools

Repeat build → release → transfer → slot assignment for each tool the job needs. The job’s Tool List shows which tools are already loaded in the machine and which are still needed, so you can see at a glance what remains before starting the job.

Next

Record runtime — after the machining cycle, return the tool and log how it ran.

Related articles

• Build a tool from a setup sheet
• Create a machine
• Process your first pick list
• Record runtime
• Return tools