5. Practical Guidance for Everyone
Read this section regardless of your business model
Getting Started Checklists
For Design-Outsource Model
Initial Setup (Do Once):
[ ] Identify your regular suppliers
List company names and contacts
Document machine types (Hundegger, K2, SCM, hand-cut)
Note file format requirements (BVX, BVN, BTL)
Record typical lead times
[ ] Set up MOS structure in Dietrich's
Define MOS Groups by supplier (-1, -2, -3, etc.)
Create package naming convention
Document your MOS scheme for team reference
[ ] Configure Dietrich's for each supplier
Set appropriate tool dimensions
Configure post-processors
Set up item numbers for their materials
Create export templates for each
[ ] Establish documentation standards
2D drawing template (fully dimensioned)
Material list format
Label content and format
File naming conventions
Folder organization structure
[ ] Create supplier templates
Fabrication package checklist
PO template
Delivery coordination form
Quality inspection checklist
For Each Project (Repeat):
[ ] Project initiation
Confirm which suppliers will be used
Set up project folders (one per supplier)
Initialize MOS groups and packages
[ ] During design
Assign MOS groups as you create components
Design for known supplier constraints
Verify MOS assignments before outputs
[ ] Generate outputs
Filter by supplier (Display Settings)
Export machine files (BVX/BVN/BTL)
Generate 2D drawings (PDFs)
Create material lists (Excel/CSV)
Produce labels
Package everything per supplier
[ ] Coordinate with suppliers
Send fabrication packages
Request quotes (if needed)
Issue purchase orders
Confirm delivery dates
Track progress (weekly check-ins)
[ ] Quality control
Inspect at delivery against 2D drawings
Document any issues immediately
Clear responsibility with suppliers
Approve for installation once verified
For Vertical Integration Model
Integration Readiness Assessment (Before Starting):
[ ] Document current processes
Map current workflow from design to delivery
Identify all work centers
Document routing for typical components
List all quality control points
[ ] Assess ERP readiness (use Section 7 criteria)
Production volume sufficient? (>100 comp/day)
Repetitive production? (>50 similar projects/year)
Budget adequate? (>$100K)
IT capability exists?
Executive committed?
Staff willing to learn?
[ ] If not ready for ERP:
Consider MES instead
Start with manual exports (Level 1)
Focus on process improvement first
Re-assess in 12-18 months
[ ] If proceeding with integration:
Select integration level (1, 2, or 3)
Define realistic budget (2-3x estimate)
Set realistic timeline (12-36 months)
Assemble project team
Select implementation partner
Initial MOS Setup:
[ ] Define MOS structure for manufacturing
MOS Groups by work center or process
-1= Primary CNC (Hundegger)-2= Secondary CNC (K2)-3= Hand assembly-4= Finishing
Packages by manufacturing batch
Elements for pre-fabricated assemblies
[ ] Configure item numbers
Standardize part numbering
Sync with ERP part master
Set up material database
[ ] Set up export templates
Material list format for ERP import
Include all required fields (MOS data, specs, quantities)
Test import into ERP
Manual Integration Phase (Level 1):
[ ] Test the basic workflow
Design sample project in Dietrich's
Assign MOS (groups, packages, elements)
Export material list (filtered by package)
Import into ERP manually
Create work orders in ERP
Track through shop floor
Document issues and lessons learned
[ ] Refine the process
Identify data quality issues
Standardize missing information
Create import templates
Train staff on workflow
Document standard procedures
[ ] Measure baseline
Time required per export/import
Error rate
Manual effort involved
Establish ROI baseline
Batch Integration Phase (Level 2) (TBD)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Not Assigning MOS Early Enough
The problem: Designers create components without MOS assignments, planning to "organize it later." When outputs are needed, they spend hours trying to assign everything at once, often making errors or missing components.
Why it happens:
"I'll deal with it later" mentality
Not understanding MOS importance
Lack of clear process
Consequences:
Last-minute scrambling
Errors in supplier assignments
Components missing from packages
Wrong machine files to wrong suppliers
Rework and delays
How to avoid:
Rule: Assign MOS as you create components
Train designers: "No component without MOS"
Make it part of modeling workflow, not output workflow
Quick assignment takes 5 seconds, later assignment takes 5 minutes
Best practice: When you create a component, immediately ask: "Which supplier makes this?" Assign the MOS group right then.
Mistake 2: Confusing Packages and Elements
The problem: Users create "packages" for things that should be elements (or vice versa), leading to confusion about what's assembled and what isn't.
Classic confusion: "I created a package called 'Wall-Panel-W201' but it won't show up as an assembled unit..." → Wrong tool. That should be an Element, not a Package.
Remember:
Package = Process grouping (CNC batch, delivery) - NOT assembled
Element = Assembly unit (pre-fab panel) - ARE assembled
Use both when components are machined separately but assembled later
How to avoid:
Review Section 2.4 (Package vs. Element)
Ask: "Will these components be assembled together?" → Element
Ask: "Are these grouped for manufacturing/delivery only?" → Package
When in doubt: most things need BOTH
Mistake 3: Trying to Integrate Before Processes Are Documented
The problem: Companies buy ERP and attempt integration while their processes are still ad-hoc and undocumented. Result: automating chaos.
Why it happens:
"ERP will fix our process problems" (it won't)
Pressure to "modernize" quickly
Not understanding ERP requirements
Consequences:
ERP doesn't match actual workflow
Constant system customization
Staff confusion and resistance
Failed implementation
Wasted investment ($$$)
How to avoid:
Document processes FIRST, then automate
Map current workflow completely
Identify improvements
Standardize procedures
THEN consider systems to support them
Best practice: If you can't explain your process clearly on a whiteboard in 30 minutes, you're not ready to automate it.
Quick Reference Tables
MOS Groups Quick Reference
Common organization schemes:
By Supplier
-1, -2, -3, -4
-1=Main CNC, -2=Glulam, -3=Hand-cut, -4=Steel
By Phase
1, 2, 3, 4
1=Foundation, 2=Floor1, 3=Floor2, 4=Roof
By Component Type
10, 20, 30, 40
10=Beams, 20=Columns, 30=Panels, 40=Connections
By Material
100, 200, 300
100=Glulam, 200=CLT, 300=Dimensional
Hybrid (Supplier+Phase)
-11, -12, -21, -22
-11=SupplierA-Phase1, -12=SupplierA-Phase2
Tips:
Use negative numbers for suppliers (common convention)
Use positive numbers for phases or types
Keep numbering scheme simple
Document your scheme for team reference
File Format Guide
CNC Machine File Formats:
BVX
Hundegger Robot (newer)
30mm
High - complex joinery, multi-sided machining
Supplier has newer Hundegger equipment with robot capabilities
BVN
Hundegger (older), K2 Industries
40mm
Medium - standard cuts, simpler joinery
Supplier has older Hundegger or K2 machines
BTL
SCM, various other brands
Varies
Medium - general purpose cutting
Supplier has SCM or requests BTL format
BTLX
Enhanced BTL
Varies
Medium-High - BTL with extended capabilities
Supplier specifically requests BTLX (rare)
None (2D only)
Hand-cut, specialty work
N/A
Variable - manual fabrication
Large custom beams, specialty components, traditional methods
Key takeaway: Know your supplier's machine before you design!
Conclusion
The Core Message:
Integration success depends on matching your approach to your business model:
Design-Outsource: Keep it simple. Good MOS organization, clear documentation (2D drawings), and straightforward tools (spreadsheets, PDFs) are enough. Don't overcomplicate.
Vertically Integrated: Integration MAY be justified if volume, repetition, and budget support it. But start simple (manual), prove value, then incrementally add complexity only where it provides clear ROI.
Universal Truth: Simple, well-executed processes beat complex, poorly-implemented systems every time.
The Jens Hackethal Wisdom:
"I've seen people spend $500K trying to integrate everything with ERP and complex systems. It never works smoothly. We use Dietrich's, PDFs, Excel spreadsheets, and email. Our projects run on time and on budget. The fancy systems just add complexity and problems."
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Good MOS organization and clear documentation will take you far. Add complexity only when simple solutions no longer serve you. Congratulations! You've completed the guide.
You now have a practical understanding of how to integrate Dietrich's with your manufacturing workflow, whether you outsource fabrication or do it in-house.
Remember the core principles:
Match your approach to your business model
Start simple, add complexity only when justified
Good MOS organization is the foundation
Clear documentation beats complex systems
Measure results, refine incrementally
Good luck with your integration journey!
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