Parallel Resource Utilization and Operation Overlapping in Frepple

[mayankkulkarni-ctrl]

Description

While modelling a production routing in Frepple, it is not possible to achieve true parallel execution of multiple resources within a single operation along with stable overlapping (transfer batch).

Scenario

Routing (sequential):

Cutting
Oven
Forging
Trimming

Each operation has 4 resources (machines).

Example:
Cutting → CM01, CM02, CM03, CM04
Oven → OV01, OV02, OV03, OV04
etc.

Expected Behaviour

-Load should split equally across all resources
--Example: 1000 qty → 250 per machine
-All machines should run in parallel
-Total processing time should reduce proportionally
-Overlapping (via transfer batch) should work with routing
-Single routing view should show complete execution

Actual Behaviour

-Resource pools select only one resource (no parallel usage)
-Multiple resources create separate operation plans, not shared execution
-Quantity is not automatically split across machines
-Combining routing + sub-operations + transfer batch causes planning to hang (infinite loop)
-No unified visibility of parallel execution

Steps to Reproduce

-Create routing with 4 sequential operations
A-ssign multiple resources (or resource pool) to each operation

Set:
-Time per
-Transfer batch (for overlapping)
-Run planning

Observed Result

-Only one resource is used per operation (or separate operationplans are created)
-No equal distribution of quantity
-Planning may not complete when combining overlap + routing

Workaround

-Split demand into multiple MOs
-Create separate routings per machine
-Apply transfer batch for overlapping

Impact

-Difficult to model real-world parallel production lines
-Lead time and capacity planning not accurately represented
-Increased model complexity due to manual splitting