Machines are the physical equipment used to create products and are an essential part of the production process. Alongside labor and materials, machines help form assemblies that transform raw components into finished goods. Your system comes pre-populated with a basic set of Machines that you can add to at any time. For more information on Machines, please see Machines Overview.
Table of Contents
Adding Machines
To begin, navigate to Settings / Components / Machines.
1. Click the Green Plus button.
2. Select either Machine Types or Clone from Machine.
a. Machine Types serve as a library of predefined templates that contain all the necessary calculations for operating a machine. They provide a foundational starting point for configuring and customizing machines within your system.
b. Clone from Machine allows you to duplicate an existing, fully developed machine configuration—reducing the need for extensive customization.
3. Select a Machine template.
Note: Each template will have different Machine Properties or Profiles. This article uses Finishing Machine 2.11 as an example.
5. Click the Machine Details tab.
6. Upload an image here, if desired.
7. Enter the Machine Name.
Note: This name will appear internally.
8. Enter the Name on Documents.
Note: This is the external name that will be visible to customers.
9. Enter a short description of the Machine capabilities.
10. Verify that the selected Machine is correct. The Machine Type includes the predefined calculations required for its operation.
Note: Once this machine is saved, the Machine Type cannot be changed.
11. Select one or more Categories to help you organize and sort your machines.
Note: Machine Categories can be managed in Settings / Components / Components / Component Categories / Machines. Or, click the Manage Machine Categories at the bottom of the dropdown.
12. Enter the Machine Cost Per Hour.
Note: This amount should not include Labor or Disposable Cost.
a. Click the Calculate Cost Per Hour link to open a step-by-step worksheet. Detailed instructions for completing the worksheet are provided below.
13. Select the Income Account to associated with this Machine.
14. Select the Expense Account to associate with this Machine.
15. Include a Machine Price Per Hour, if desired.
Note: This is price you would charge for stand-alone projects.
16. Custom Fields can help provide unique information that is specific to this Machine.
Note: Custom Fields can be managed in Settings / Custom Fields / Machines. For more information on Custom Fields, please see Custom Fields.
17. Click Save.
Cost Per Hour Worksheet
This worksheet helps you calculate the Cost Per Hour for your machine. Reviewing your Machine costs regularly is important, as changes in leasing, maintenance, or usage can affect your overall operating expenses.
1. Click the Cost Per Hour worksheet link.
2. The Monthly Lease Payment is the cost to rent or lease your Machine.
Note: If you don't have a payment, we recommend entering what a monthly payment would be or your monthly replacement cost.
3. The Monthly Maintenance Cost should include any maintenance contract payments, repairs, materials, or other support costs.
4. Average Daily Operating Hours are the average actual hours of operation per day, not the available hours.
5. Enter in the number of days per week you are open.
6. Enter the number of work days per year you are closed.
7. Click Apply and Close.
