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Production Tracking

LoupeFactory's production tracking module lets you model and monitor multi-stage manufacturing processes from start to finish. This guide covers how to define production stages, track inputs and outputs at each stage, and record waste, rejection, and scrap.

Overview of Multi-Stage Production

A production process in LoupeFactory is made up of one or more sequential stages. Each stage represents a distinct step in your workflow — for example, rough sorting, cutting, polishing, and grading in a gemstone operation. Tracking each stage separately gives you full visibility into where materials are at any point in time and where losses occur.

Screenshot: Production Process Overview

A screenshot will be added here showing the Production Tracking module home screen with a list of active production processes and their current stage status.

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Defining Production Stages

Before recording any production activity, you need to set up the stages that make up your process.

Creating a Production Process

  1. Navigate to the Production module from the main dashboard.
  2. Click New Process.
  3. Enter a process name and optional description.
  4. Click Add Stage to define the first stage.
  5. For each stage, provide a name (e.g., "Rough Sorting", "Cutting", "Polishing") and an optional description.
  6. Drag stages to reorder them if needed.
  7. Click Save Process when all stages are defined.

Screenshot: New Process Form with Stages

A screenshot will be added here showing the New Process form with multiple stages added, including the stage name fields and the drag-to-reorder handles.

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Editing an Existing Process

To modify a process after it has been created:

  1. Open the process from the Production module list.
  2. Click Edit Process.
  3. Add, rename, or remove stages as needed.
  4. Click Save Changes.

Warning

Editing stages on a process that already has recorded runs may affect historical reporting. Avoid renaming or removing stages that have existing data unless you intend to restructure your records.

Tracking Inputs and Outputs

Each production stage consumes inputs (raw materials or semi-finished goods) and produces outputs (processed goods ready for the next stage or for sale). LoupeFactory links these directly to your inventory.

Recording Inputs

When starting a stage, record the materials being consumed:

  1. Open the active production run and navigate to the relevant stage.
  2. Click Record Inputs.
  3. Select the inventory item and enter the quantity being consumed.
  4. Add additional input items if the stage uses multiple materials.
  5. Click Confirm Inputs to deduct the quantities from inventory.

Screenshot: Record Inputs Form

A screenshot will be added here showing the Record Inputs form with an inventory item selector, quantity field, and the option to add multiple input lines.

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Recording Outputs

When a stage is complete, record what was produced:

  1. In the same stage view, click Record Outputs.
  2. Select the output inventory item and enter the quantity produced.
  3. If the output is a new item not yet in inventory, you can create it inline from this form.
  4. Click Confirm Outputs to add the quantities to inventory.

Screenshot: Record Outputs Form

A screenshot will be added here showing the Record Outputs form with the output item selector, quantity field, and the inline item creation option.

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Tip

The difference between total inputs and total outputs (including waste) is automatically calculated and shown in the stage summary. Use this to spot unexpected material losses early.

Recording Waste, Rejection, and Scrap

Not all material that enters a stage makes it through as usable output. LoupeFactory lets you record three types of material loss:

Type Description
Waste Material consumed or lost during processing (e.g., dust, offcuts)
Rejection Items that fail quality checks and cannot be used or sold
Scrap Rejected material that still has recoverable value (e.g., metal scrap, low-grade stones)

Recording a Loss

  1. In the stage view, click Record Loss.
  2. Choose the loss type: Waste, Rejection, or Scrap.
  3. Select the inventory item and enter the quantity.
  4. Add an optional note explaining the reason for the loss.
  5. Click Save to record the entry.

Screenshot: Record Loss Form

A screenshot will be added here showing the Record Loss form with the loss type selector (Waste / Rejection / Scrap), item selector, quantity field, and notes field.

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Scrap items are added back to inventory at a separate SKU or category so their recoverable value can be tracked and sold or reused.

Screenshot: Stage Summary with Loss Breakdown

A screenshot will be added here showing a completed stage summary card displaying total inputs, total outputs, and a breakdown of waste, rejection, and scrap quantities.

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Viewing Production Run History

All completed and in-progress production runs are accessible from the Production module list. Click any run to see a full timeline of stages, inputs, outputs, and recorded losses.

Screenshot: Production Run History

A screenshot will be added here showing the production run detail page with a stage-by-stage timeline, input/output quantities, and loss entries for each stage.

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Next Steps