ISTech Support Forum

ISTech Support Forum
http://www.istechforum.com/YaBB.pl
Evo-ERP and DBA Classic >> Problem Reports - Sporadic >> RMA module and serial numbers
http://www.istechforum.com/YaBB.pl?num=1222452890

Message started by GasGiant on 09/26/08 at 11:14:50

Title: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by GasGiant on 09/26/08 at 11:14:50

I really want to like the RMA module, but it is very hard. We have continually had sporadic problems with both processing Work Orders and posting Invoices for products that have serial numbers, which is nearly all of the items we repair. I will try to cover some of the problems here...

- When an item is dispositioned, the serial number is recorded in BKARTXNS as a pending transaction. When posting is attempted we receive an error saying that the serial number is already being used. Clearing the entry in BKARTXNS fixes this. This problem just started after the 8/4/08 update.

- When releasing a multiple line repair with serial numbers, it will usually release the lines and SN , but when we go to Post the repair order it does the first work order OK, but when it gets to the second line item it gives the message that a Qty. of 1 already exists in the REP Location. The only way to get out of this is the go to Task Manager and End Task.

- Sometimes instead of posting properly the screen will just flash. Hitting escape ends the process, but the serial numbers are not associated with the order in the SERIAL table, which is obviously important for traceability.

It is very hard to track what is really going wrong with these orders. Our service manager is befuddled and wants to throw out the whole process. I understand her frustration and share it because she calls me several times each day to fix the messes. I don't know what can be done at this point, but any suggestions would be helpful.

Title: Re: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by GasGiant on 10/02/08 at 07:15:33

So, he said to himself...

Why does the repair part of the RMA module mess with BKARTXN/BKARTXNS? I see no reason to keep track of pending lot and serial transactions in repair mode. This "feature" get's in our way time after time. Perhaps it can be removed?

Title: Re: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by Vman on 10/06/08 at 14:17:03

I don't use the Service Module as there seems to be some issues with it and my military maintenance background has a hard time grasping the way EVO handles repairs, but I agree with GasGiant.
Normally (from my experience), when you are repairing an item, you mainly need to know where it is (if you have mulitiple shops or workcenters) and what status it's in (waiting parts, waiting shop/workcenter, in shop, etc). The transaction files are fine for manufacturing, but I don't see their use in repairs, unless it's an in-house thing where you are going to return it to stock.
I would think that repairs should have different status codes than manufacturing workorders, and that serial numbers/lot numbers should be recorded (expecially for reports), but as they generally aren't inventory they shouldn't be treated as such.

Title: Re: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by GasGiant on 10/06/08 at 14:31:12

The RMA module does a great job segregating things, and the concepts are really good, but there are some weird things going on during execution at our site. Some of it may be things we are doing that were not anticipated (users seem to have different ideas than developers), or something to do with us running transactions back and forth instead of straight through.

Anyway, Mike is working on this and I hope to pinpoint the issues in the next couple of days.

Title: Re: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by dbernhard on 10/22/08 at 07:54:43

Hi Colin
We are just starting to use RMA Module. I ran into a few issues while we were in the test company - the worse was that an invoice number was duplicated in SR and SO - that was a bit of a mess but perhaps we did something wrong here that "allowed" this type of error. There is no routing on the S/R work order. How do I track the labor in repairs? Do you issue repair parts to the work order or directly on the S/r?
I am dealing with many complainers that do not like change so I just would like to know that the RMA module is working well before we implement it. Otherwise it gives fuel to the complainers and I don't want to give them any ammunition to shut the new module down before it even begins.
Appreciate your input :-/
Regards
Debra Bernhard

Title: Re: RMA module and serial numbers
Post by GasGiant on 10/22/08 at 08:36:03

See my post in the Sales section in response to your post there.

I general, I am very happy. I can report that most of our problems have stemmed from dirty data, which we have been cleaning up. Mike has been working with us and did find a location bug, but the biggest improvements have come when we got our own house in order.