                        Mdesign Manual
                 Manufacturing System Design
                   for Technology Education
                     -------------------
                     Copyright(C) AcuLed

_____________________________________________________________________
Table of contents____________________________________________________

INSTALLING MDESIGN                                             1

 MDESIGN SETUP                                                 1
 STARTING MDESIGN                                              1
   TO OPEN A NEW FILE                                          2
   TO OPEN AN EXISTING FILE                                    2
   TO SAVE A FILE                                              2

ENTERING DATA                                                  3

 ENTERING "MATERIALS" DATA                                     3
   TO ENTER BILL OF MATERIALS DATA                             4
 ENTERING "OPERATIONS" DATA                                    4
   FORMAT OPERATIONS DATA FOR PROCESSING                       4
   TO ENTER OPERATIONS FOR EACH PART                           5
   PICKING OPERATIONS FROM THE LIST BOX                        6
   CLEARING OR FIXING THE LIST BOX                             6
   EXPORTING AND IMPORTING LIST BOX DATA                       6
 ENTERING "BALANCE" DATA                                       7
   SET TIME UNIT                                               9
   ABOUT THE BALANCE OUTPUT DISPLAY                            9
   TO ENTER TIME DATA                                         10
   TO ENTER EMPLOYEE DATA                                     10
   SELECTING EMPLOYEES FROM THE EMPLOYEE LIST                 11
   EXPORTING AND IMPORTING EMPLOYEE DATA                      11
   SETTING THE UPDATE AND CELL SORT OPTION                    12
 ENTERING "ECONOMIC" DATA                                     12
   TO ENTER ECONOMIC DATA                                     12
   PRODUCTIVITY AND BREAK-EVEN OUTPUT BOX                     13
   THE WHAT IF... MODE                                        14

FORMS AND REPORTS                                             16

 FORMS                                                        16
 REPORTS                                                      17
 PRINTING FORMS AND REPORTS                                   17
   TO PRINT FORMS AND REPORTS                                 17
   PRINT OPTIONS                                              18
   PRINTER SETUP                                              18
   ADDING A CUSTOM PRINTER SETUP                              19

DATA REPAIR UTILITY                                           21
       

_____________________________________________________________________
Installing Mdesign___________________________________________________


For best performance, Mdesign program files should be
installed on a hard disk. To setup the program:

     1. Insert the SETUP Disk in drive A.
     2. From DOS type A:\SETUP then press <Enter>
     3. Follow on-screen installation program instructions.

The SETUP program will install the main program files on the
drive and directory specified in the drive option window. The
default directory is C:\Mdesign. Files installed during setup
include:

Documents:

     README.TXT-- General information
     MANUAL.TXT-- User manual; this file
     ORDER.TXT-- Order form for registering Mdesign

Program Files:

     MDESIGN.EXE- Start-up program
     YDNIC_2.EXE- Main program
     VBDRT10a.EXE- VBDOS run time library
     MD_MODE.SYS- system initializtion file.
     PRTSET.CFG- Printer setup data

Utility:

     ISAMREPE.EXE- Utility to recover corrupt data.

Sample Data:

     CD-RACK.DTA- Example of a system design for a simple wood CD
     rack.


           ----------------Starting Mdesign----------------

In the directory containing Mdesign files, type Mdesign [Press
<Enter>].The introductory screen will be displayed followed by
the Open Project window.
     
     To Open a New File

     1. Type the name of the file you wish to open using MS-DOS
     file naming format (1 to 8 characters with no spaces).

     2. Press <Enter> or select the OK button.

     3. A message window will ask if you want to create a new
     file. Press <Enter> or select OK to continue.

     Note: The default extension for project files is DTA. If an
     extension is not added to a file name, DTA extension will be
     added automatically. Custom extensions are saved as entered
     by the user.
     
     To Open an Existing File

     1. Look in the Files list box to find the project to open.
     Double click the file name to open the file. Or, press the
     <Tab> key to move the cursor to the list box then use the
     arrow keys to highlight the file to open. Press <Enter> to
     load the file.

     2. To change disk or directories, select the drive and
     directories listed in the Drive/Directory box. The DTA files
     in the selected directory will be listed in the Files box.

     Note: Mdesign remembers the last drive and path used so the
     file created should be displayed when beginning the next
     session.
     
     To Save a File

     Mdesign automatically saves data when entered. To insure a
     file is properly closed, simply select "Exit" or "Open a New
     File" under the "Data" menu to end your Mdesign Session.

_____________________________________________________________________
Entering Data________________________________________________________

The main functions of Mdesign are accessible from the main menu
at the top of the Mdesign screen. Menu functions can be accessed
by selecting an item with the mouse or pressing the <Alt> key
followed by the first letter of the menu selection. The "Data"
menu opens one of four data entry windows-- Materials,
Operations, Balance, and Economics.

Each of the data entry windows contain cells for text and numeric
input. To enter data in a cell, use the <Tab> or <Enter> key to
scroll through cells or select the cell with your mouse. The cell
readied for data entry will be highlighted. Type  cell data using
the keyboard.

To edit information, use the standard editing keys (i.e. delete,
insert, backspace and arrow keys). The "Edit" menu selection
provides an insert and delete function for data fields. A field
is a group of cells that includes the entire row of data. For
example, deleting a line in the Materials list will delete the
Code, Qt., Description, Dimensions, Type and Cost of the selected
item. Likewise, choosing "Insert" under the "Edit" menu will move
and renumber data fields.


      ----------------Entering "Materials" Data----------------

The Material data entry window is displayed when a file is
opened. The window can also be opened by selecting "Materials"
under the "Data" menu.

The material data is the Bill of Material for a product. Data
entered in the "Materials" window includes:

     Code- Up to 3 numbers or letters corresponding to a specific
     part. This number should correspond to the code labeled on
     the working drawing.

     QT.- Number of parts needed to produce one unit.

     Description- Name of the part. The name should correspond to
     the name labeled on the working drawing.

     Dimensions- Finished dimension of the part. When entering
     dimensions, follow a standard format and be consistent
     throughout. For example, it is customary to format
     dimensions as follows:
               
                  Length x Width x Thickness
          
                    12 x 6-1/2 x 3/4
                  or
                    12 x 6.5 x  .75

     Type- The type of material used in the product (i.e. oak,
     plastic, sheet metal, etc.)

     Cost- Material cost for one part. If more than one part is
     needed to produce a unit, the total cost is automatically
     calculated.
     
     To Enter Bill of Materials Data

     1. Open the data entry window by selecting "Materials" under
     the "Data" menu. Or, press <Alt> <D> <M> keys.

     2. Enter the part code for the first part. The part code
     should be the code labeled on the working drawing.

     3.  Press <Enter> to record the entry and move to the QT.
     field. Continue this procedure to enter data in the
     Description, Dimensions, Type and Cost fields.

     4. Press <Enter> to move to the next line.  Continue
     entering parts needed to produce the product..


      ----------------Entering "Operations" Data----------------

In the "Operations" window, the sequence of operations and work
station used to produce each product are entered. The first part
in the material list is displayed in a box at the center-left of
the window.
     
     Format Operations Data For Processing

     Mdesign automatically groups equal processes and will group
     assembled parts as a unit if the format of data entry is
     consistent with Mdesign protocol. In this respect,
     operations entered are like a programming language so syntax
     is important.

     Each operation should contain the information needed to
     perform the operation. This description should include the
     specific process to be performed and, if appropriate, the
     dimension that relates to the process. For example, if
     cutting a board to length and width, operations may be
     stated as follows:

               1.   Crosscut to 6.5"
               2.   Rip to 3"

     The sequence of operations should be consistent across
     parts. This consistency will insure that the most efficient
     operation processes list is generated by the computer.

     Assemble is an important keyword for data processing. When
     the software reads this term stated at the beginning of the
     operation, parts are grouped as assembled units when data is
     processed. To group parts as assembled units, the exact
     process and work station must be entered for each part
     involved. For example, to group sides and shelves as an
     assembled unit enter an operation for the sides and then the
     shelf:

                    002 Side
                    12 x 30 x 3/4
                         .
                         .
                         12    Assemble Sides and Shelf
          
                    003 Shelf
                    12 x 20 x 3/4
                         .
                         .
                         8     Assemble Sides and Shelf

     Important: The data entered for line "Balance" and many of
     the forms and reports that are generated are based on
     processed operation data. So, it is important to review the
     grouping of operation as processed by the computer to be
     sure that the operation process sequence is logical and
     efficient. After entering operation data, evaluate the
     "Operation Chart" report by selecting this option under the
     "Report" menu.
     
     To Enter Operations For Each Part

     1. Open the data entry window by selecting "Operations"
     under the "Data" menu. Or, press <Alt> <D> <O> keys.

     2. Refer to the box at center-left of the screen to see the
     part code, description, and dimension of the part that
     operations will be associated with.

     3. Enter the first operation needed to fabricate the part.

     4.  Press <Enter> to record the entry and move to the Work
     Station Cell. Type the tool, machine, or work station where
     the operation will be performed.

     5. Press <Enter> to move to the next line. The step will
     automatically be numbered in sequence. Continue enter
     operations to complete part fabrication.

     6. Press <Page Down> key or click <PgDn> to select the next
     part. Continue entering operations and work stations until
     all parts are complete.
     
     Picking Operations from the List Box
     
     Operations and work stations are automatically placed in the
     list box as they are entered. Often, different parts of a
     product need to undergo the same operation during
     fabrication. The pick list makes input more efficient by
     allowing the user to select repetitive operation. Using the
     list box to select operation also insures that equal
     processes are grouped in subsequent data processing.
          
          To Select Operations and Tools

          1. From the operation or work station cell use the
          mouse to double click an item in the list box. The item
          selected will be inserted in the selected field. The
          scroll bar on the right of each box can be used to
          scroll through the selection.

          2. For keyboard selection, press <Ctrl> <Up Arrow> to
          move the cursor to the list box. Use the arrow keys to
          highlight the item then press <Enter> to make a
          selection.

          3. Pressing <Esc> cancels the selection process and
          moves the cursor back to an entry cell.
     
     Clearing or Fixing the List Box

     The list box is like a scratch pad for copying and
     organizing operations and tools. Since all operations are
     placed in the list box, clearing the box to organize a new
     set of operations may be helpful. Also, if a list of
     operation is to be imported, clearing the box makes new data
     more available.
     
     The "Fix" button regenerates the list from exiting data.
     Since all operations and workstations entered are placed in
     the box, any data deleted or edited will remain. The Fix
     clears the list box of such items.
     
     Exporting and Importing List Box Data

     Data listed in the Operation and Work Station list box can
     be exported to a disk file and imported from a disk. This
     function is useful for transferring data across projects
     that may use similar operations and work stations. Also,
     users may want to save common tools in the facilities and
     typical operations performed as a reference for developing
     an operation sequence.
          
          To Export a List

          1. Select "Export" under the "Data" menu.
          2. Choose "Operation" or "Tools" from the menu.
          3. Enter a file name for the file then press <Enter> or
          select <OK> to save the file.
          
          To Import a List

          1. Select "Import" under the "Data" menu.
          2. Choose "Operation" or "Tools" from the menu.
          3. Enter a name or select the file to be added to the
          pick list then press <Enter> or select <OK> to load the
          file.

     ********************A Note to Teachers**********************
     For the novice student, export a list of available tools and
     processes for fabricating a products. Students can pick from
     the list to sequence operations. This will give novice
     students a chance to apply their knowledge. Your "hints"
     will reduce the complexity of the problem.
     ************************************************************

      ----------------Entering "Balance" Data----------------

Balance data includes the time required to perform operations and
employees assigned to each task. This information is used to
determine the flow of parts through the manufacturing system,
balance the system, and calculate labor cost. When all of the
Balance data are entered, the designer will know the number of
work cells that will be needed, the number of employees required
to produce the product, and the cycle time or time required to
produce each product.

These variables  are the essence of manufacturing system design.
Each of the variables are interrelated and the way they are
optimized will determine the overall cost of producing the
product. Two major factors that can increase or decrease
production cost are cycle time and number of employees. If one
person is fabricating a part, each process must be done in
sequence so cycle time is the sum of the time it takes to do each
operation.


   P1   ========= (20 Sec.)
   P2            ===== (10 sec.)
   P3                 ================== (36sec.)

                                        Cycle Time = 66 Seconds
                                        # Workers = 1

Typically, cycle time is reduced by increasing employees so
operation can be done simultaneously.

   P1   ========= (20 Sec.)
   P2   ===== (10 sec.)
   P3   ================== (36 sec.)

                                        Cycle Time = 36 Seconds
                                        # Workers = 3


By adding 2 employees the cycle time was reduced by 30 seconds.
However, the system is not efficient. There is a great deal of
slack time or time when a worker has nothing to do. In the
example above, employees performing operation P1 and P2 have 15
and 25 seconds of slack time, respectively. To balance the line,
one employee can be used to perform both P1 and P2.


   P1   ========= (20 Sec.)
   P2            ===== (10 sec.)
   P3   ================== (36 sec.)

                                        Cycle Time = 36 Seconds
                                        # Workers = 2

The cycle time remains the same but only two employees are needed
to produce the product. Since slack time is reduced the parts
will flow better through the line.

Cycle time can be reduced by dividing workstations so more than
one cell is used to perform an operation. Dividing P3 into two
cells reduces the duration by one half. Cycle time is 20 seconds,
the time to perform the longest operation P1.

   P1   ========== (20 Sec.)
   P2   ===== (10 sec.)
   P3a  ========= (16 sec.)
   P3b  =========  (16 sec.)

                                        Cycle Time = 20 Seconds
                                        # Workers = 4


When calculating time, operations are done in sequence if the
same work station or employee is assigned to the task. If both
are different, operations will be scheduled simultaneously.

Where do I get time data?  Two forms can be generated by Mdesign
for collecting time data. The Task Analysis Form can be used to
collect preliminary time data and the Time Study Form is designed
to collect flow data during manufacturing. Information on
generating and using these forms is detailed in the section that
follows.
     
     Set Time Unit

     The time unit can be set to seconds, minutes, hours, or
     standard units (i.e. class period, day, week, etc.). The
     unit set should be based on the average length of time it
     takes to perform operations and the base standard of the
     measurement instrument used for collecting data. A time unit
     commonly used is minutes since most stop watches are based
     on this standard. Don't be overly concerned about selecting
     a time unit-- it can be changed later.
          
          To Set Time Unit

          1. Open option box by selecting "Set Time Unit" under
          the "Edit" menu or press <Alt> <E> <T> on the keyboard.
          The first time the Balance window is opened for a new
          file the "Set Time Unit" option box is automatically
          opened for initial setting.

          2. Click the option then select <OK> or use the <arrow>
          keys to move to the time unit of choice then press
          <Enter>.
     
     About the Balance Output Display

     The Balance Output Box displays the operation process list
     (labeled P1, P2... Px), work stations, cells and elapsed
     time for each operation. Specifically, the Output Box:

          1. Shows the effect of time data and employee
          assignment on system cycle time. Beginning  and ending
          times are determined by the time to fabricate each
          part, work station used and employee assigned to each
          cell. As data is entered, the display is automatically
          updated so designers can immediately analyze the system
          balance.

          2. Scrolls through processes so time and employee data
          can be entered for each process. When a process in the
          output display is highlighted, the operation, parts and
          employees entered are assigned to the highlighted
          process.
          
          To Select Process for Data Entry

          1. Use <Arrow> key, Scroll Bar or click an item in the
          Balance Output Display to highlight.

          2. Press <Enter>, <Tab> or click the [time cell] to
          begin entering data for the highlighted process.
     
     To Enter Time Data

     1. In the highlighted field under the time column, type in
     the time data for the part listed to the left. The format
     for time data is:

                    Seconds =    xxx.x
                    Minutes =  xx:xx.x
                    Hours   = xx:xx:xx
                    Units   =   xxx.xx

     Regardless of format used when entering data, data will be
     converted to the format selected when the time unit was set.
     For example, if the time unit is set to minutes and 124.2 is
     entered, the data  will be converted to 2:04.2 when <Enter>
     is pressed.

     2. Press <Enter> to record the data and move to the next
     part.

     3. Continue entering data for each part.. When time data for
     the last part associated with the process is entered, the
     cursor will move to the [employee cell].

     ************************** Note ****************************
     If you are planning custom production (individual project),
     set the time unit to "standard unit". Each unit can be a
     class period so you will have a work schedule for each day.
     ************************************************************
     
     To Enter Employee Data

     1. Click the employee cell or press <Enter> to move the
     cursor to the employee cell.

     2. In the highlighted field, type the name of the employee
     assigned to the work station.

     3. Press <Enter> to record data and move to the next
     employee cell.

     4. To complete data entry and move cursor to the output
     display, press <Enter> in a blank field.

     Note: Mdesign has an employee auto fill function to ease
     data entry. If the same workstation is used for more than
     one operation, the employee(s) entered for the first
     workstation are copied to all workstation of the same name.
     
     Selecting Employees From the Employee List

     Like the operations and work stations list, employees are
     automatically placed in a list box as they are entered.
          
           To Select Employees:

          1. From the employee cell use the mouse to click the
          down arrow on the employee list box. The scroll bar on
          the right of the box can be used to scroll through the
          selections. Click the selected employee then press
          <Enter> to record the employee in the selected cell.

          2. For keyboard selection, press <Ctrl> <Up Arrow> to
          move the cursor to the list box. Use the arrow keys to
          highlight the item then press <Enter> to make a
          selection. Pressing <Esc> cancels the selection process
          and moves the cursor back to an entry cell.
     
     Exporting and Importing Employee Data

     List box employee data can be export to a disk file or
     imported from the disk.
          
          To Export an Employee List

          1. Select "Export" under the "Data" menu.
          2. Choose "Employee" from the menu.
          3. Enter a name for the file then press <Enter> or
          select <OK> to save the file.
          
          To Import an Employee List

          1. Select "Import" under the "Data" menu.
          2. Choose "Employee" from the menu.
          3. Enter a name or select the file to be added to the
          pick list then press <Enter> or select <OK> to load the
          file.

     ************************** Note ****************************
     Leave the employee field blank for individual projects. All
     processes will be scheduled in sequence.
     ************************************************************
     
     Setting the Update and Cell Sort Option

     When entering data in the "Balance" window, line balance,
     cycle time and number of employee data are immediately
     calculated and displayed. System planners can quickly
     analyze and optimize production flow by reviewing values.

     It is nice to see instant results, but there are time when
     it is annoying. Update takes times and depending on your
     computer system the wait for updating may be extreme. Also,
     the Cell Sort update  may change the order of the process as
     the computer groups cells and employees. This sort may cause
     you to loose your place. To avoid such problems the update
     function can be disabled.
          
          To Set the Update Option

          At the bottom right of the "Balance" window are command
          buttons. An [X] indicates that the function is enabled.
          Click on the command button to toggle between enabled
          and disabled. When Update or Cell Sort is disabled,
          data entered is recorded but the balance chart will not
          change. When the functions are enabled, the chart is
          immediately updated.


       ----------------Entering "Economic" Data----------------
     
There are three major categories of data used to calculate system
economics:

     - Variable Cost are direct expenses of producing each
     product. Variable cost items include labor, materials,
     supplies, packaging and waste disposal.

     - Fixed Cost are estimated expenses over the production run.
     Typical fixed cost include general and management expenses.

     - Income is the sum of the selling price and waste recovery.
     
     To Enter Economic Data

     1. Open the economic data entry window by selecting
     "Economics" under the "Data" menu. Or, press <Alt> <D> <E>
     keys.

     2. Select the cell for entering data with the mouse or use
     the <Tab> or <Enter> key to advance through data cells.
     Since Cycle Time and Number of Workers are calculated from
     Balance data, Mdesign will automatically insert the system
     data in these cells and user input is disabled. When the
     [What if..] function is enabled the data in these cells can
     be changed.

     3. Enter cost for items listed to the left of the cell.
     Press <Enter> to record data and move to the next cell.
     
     Productivity and Break-even Output Box
     
     There are many variables in a manufacturing system that can
     be changed to improve the system. And, many of these
     variables are related. If one increases another may increase
     or decrease. For example, if a worker is added to the system
     labor cost may increase but cycle time may decrease
     resulting in a decrease in variable cost. A decision to do
     one thing may have differing effects on overall system
     performance.

     Mathematics and statistics are valuable aids to decision
     making. Mathematical equations can be designed to calculate
     results of changes in variables that have a relationship to
     system performance. The productivity index and break-even
     point are two commonly used equations used by manufacturers
     for decision making. Both measures are equations that relate
     system variables and show the consequences of decisions.
          
          Productivity Index
     
          The output box at the top right of the window displays
          the two system performance measures-- Productivity and
          Break-even point. Productivity is the ratio of output
          to input. It is an index that shows how well the system
          is operating by comparing what goes into the system
          (resources) with what comes out (products). The index
          displayed in the output window is a measure of the
          systems profitability.
     
                            Output    Income
           Profitability = ------- =  --------
                            Input      Cost
                         
                             Selling Price + Waste Recovery
                         = ---------------------------------
                                     Variable Cost
     
     
          For the system to be profitable, the result must be
          greater than one. The higher the number the greater the
          profit per unit sold.
          
          Break-Even Analysis

          Break-even analysis, the second index displayed in the
          output box, is a mathematical model that relates cost
          and income with the quantity of products produces. The
          break-even point indicates the number of units that
          must be made and sold before cost equals income. Or,
          the point when profit begins.
     
          The Break-even point (B) is calculated by dividing the
          fixed cost (FC) by the unit selling price (P) minus
          unit variable costs (V).
     
     
                                            Fixed Cost(FC)
          Break-even Point(B) = -------------------------------------
                                 Selling Price(P) - Variable Cost(V)
     
          So, if a company is producing a product with an
          estimated fixed cost of $100.00, Variable Cost of $2.50
          per unit and selling price of $5.00, the break-even
          point would be 40 units. Selling the same product for
          $6.00 would lower the  break-even point to 29 units.
     
     The What If... Mode

     What if you reduce cycle time by splitting an operation and
     adding an employee? What if you reduce waste production by 5
     percent? The "What if.." mode allows users to change
     economic data and observe benefits or consequences of the
     change.  All data can be changed including cycle time and
     number of workers. Results from the real data calculations
     are displayed to the left or above the calculated values so
     on-screen comparisons can be made.

     Data entered while the "What If.." mode is enabled is not
     saved so users are free to test their ideas to improve the
     system. When the "Restore" Button is selected, Data is
     restored to original values.
          
          To Enable the "What if.." Mode

          1. Click the [What If..] button with the mouse or press
          <Tab> until the command button is highlighted then
          press <Enter>.

          2. Enter data in any of the cells and observe results.

          3. Select [Restore] to exit this mode

     While the "What If.." mode is enabled, a report can be
     printed showing both the real and what-if data in
     comparative columns. Refer to the report section for
     details.

_____________________________________________________________________
Forms and Reports____________________________________________________
     
     Forms and Reports menu options provides output of processed
data.  To generate forms and reports select the appropriate menu
with the mouse or press <ALT> <F> <A, J, or T> for forms or
<ALT> <R> <M, O, C...> for reports. When a form or report is
selected, processed data will be displayed in a text screen.
Forms provide planning and data collection worksheets that are
product specific. Reports provide a hardcopy of processed data to
communicate system design to others. Both forms and reports are
displayed in a scrollable text box so the output can be reviewed
before printing.

      The text display can also be used as a scratch pad. Reports
and forms do not change unless they are regenerated by selecting
the same or new item from the menu. So, you can generate a form
or report,  return to a data entry screen and make changes, then
refer back to the "old" version in the text display. The display
is also a text editor so you can type notes or rearrange items.
Edits can be printed while this display is active. However,
anything you edit will not be saved. A printout would be the only
permit record. To update or clear edits, regenerate the report or
form by selecting its menu item.

              ----------------Forms----------------

Forms provide project specific printouts for student data
collection. The printouts are worksheets that students can use to
record operations and system performance variables. Forms
generated by Mdesign include:
     
     Task Analysis-- Conduct time and motion studies during the
     planning stage of system design. This form divides an
     operation into preparation, performance and completion
     tasks. Space is provide for sketching or describing special
     tooling and preliminary time data can be collected. For
     teacher directed projects, use this form to organize student
     note taking during demonstrations.

     Job Sheets-- Use to track material flow through each cell.
     Work cell operators complete the form by recording the
     number of parts produced and number of rejects during a work
     session. A space is provided to calculate the time to
     produce each part and reject rate. These calculations can be
     compared with system data.

     Time Studies-- Once the system is running, it is important
     to collect material flow data so problems can be identified
     and improvements made. This form is formatted to record the
     time to produce each part in a cell. Time studies should be
     completed by a person assigned to collect data during each
     work session.

               ----------------Reports----------------

Reports provide a hardcopy of material, operation, line balance
and economic data. A summary reports generated by Mdesign follow.

     Bill of Materials-- Printout of data entered in the
     "Materials" window.

     Operations-- Printout of data entered in the "Operations"
     window.

     Operation Chart-- This chart illustrates the flow of parts
     through work stations. Equal operations are grouped so the
     number of process steps are minimized. The sequence of
     processes is listed on the left with the parts and work
     stations listed in the center and right respectively.

     Operation Detail-- This form lists the operation process
     sequence and includes the work station, cell, employee
     names, operation to be performed, parts to be processed,
     time data for each part and total time.

     Line Balance-- Printout of the chart displayed in the
     "Balance" window. A line chart showing elapsed time to
     perform each operation is displayed along with the cycle
     time and number of employees.

     Work Cells-- Shows the team size, elapsed time, slack time,
     and percent utilization for each cell of the system. This
     report provides data that is useful for identifying cells
     that are over or under worked.

     Economics-- Printout of data entered in the "Economics"
     window.

     What If...-- This report shows a comparison of "real" data
     and "what-if" data. What-if data that is different from real
     data is listed in a column to the right. Summary information
     is printed so changes can be analyzed. To access this
     report, the what-if mode in the "Economics" window must be
     enabled.

      ----------------Printing Forms and Reports----------------
     
     To Print Forms and Reports
     
     1. Double click the [Print] button or press enter when the
     [Print] button is highlighted. If the [Print] button is not
     highlighted press <Tab> to move to and activate the command.

     2. Set the print target by clicking on the option or use the
     <arrow> key to select. If the File option is selected, press
     <Tab> to move to the text box and enter a file name.

     3. Be sure the printer is on and ready for operation.

     4. Select [OK] to begin printing.
     
     Print Options
          
          More...

          Task Analysis and Job Sheet forms are formatted for one
          page for each operation process. To deal with the
          multiple printout, the [More..] command button is
          activated when either of these two forms are viewed.
          Users may scroll through each page for review. The
          [...Back] button, activated when pages are scrolled,
          returns to the first page of the form.
          
          Print Displayed Text Only

          When this option is selected, only the page of the form
          will be printed. This option is useful when a Task
          Analysis Form or Job Sheet for one or several
          operations processes is desired. To print a selected
          page:

               1. Click the [More...] command to scroll to the
               page to print.

               2. Select [X] Print Displayed Text Only option
               box.

               3. Select the [Print] button to begin the print
               process.
     
     Printer Setup

     Mdesign printouts use standard ASCII extended character set
     so most printer should be able to print forms and reports as
     displayed on the screen.
          
          To Select a Printer from the Printer List

          Three standard  printers, Proprinter (IBM format),
          Epson, and HP Laser, are included in the printer select
          list box. Most manufactures are compatible with one of
          these standards. To select a printer:

          1. Click on the list box area to view choices
          2. Highlight a printer with arrow keys and press
          <enter> or double click on a printer choice.
          
          The selected printer will be the default until a
          different printer is selected. If the page length of a
          selected printer is different from the current default,
          you will be prompted to regenerate the form or report
          to reformat. You will only be asked to do this once.

     To adjust printers for compatibility, three options are
     provided: Line Length, Page Length and Set-up String. Some
     printers have limits on characters per line and page length.
     To change these settings, enter a new value in the
     appropriate text box.
     
     The Setup string allows for special command to be sent to
     the printer. The command most commonly needed is one that
     selects a font set that contains the graphic characters used
     to display lines and boxes. For example, the setup string

			027 116 001
     
     enables printing of the extended "box" characters on an
     Epson printer. The code is in decimal format with each
     character in the sequence separated by a space. Refer to
     your printer manual for font set codes and setup string
     syntax.
     
     Adding a Custom Printer Setup

     Printers can be added to the printer list by editing the
     PRTSET.CFG file. This file contains the print options and
     set-up string for a named printer.
     
     The file format is shown below:
     
          IBM ProPrinter,,77,66
          Epson LQ,027 116 1,77,66
          HP Laser,027 040 049 048 085,77,60
          Panasonic 1180,027 116 1,77,66
          /end
     
     The format to define a printer and setup is
     
          printer name,setup string,page width, page length
     
     Where
     
 printer name = name of your choice that identifies the setup;
 setup = command characters in decimal format separated by a space;
 page width = the number of characters per line; and
 page length = the number of lines per page.
          
          To Edit PRTSET.CFG
          
          1. Make a back up copy of  PRTSET.CFG
          
          2. Load PRTSET.CFG in a text editor. Be sure you are
          using a text only editor such as EDIT.EXE provided with
          DOS.
          
          3. Insert a line in the format described above. Be sure
          the last line "/end" remains.
          
          4. Save the file
          
     The next time you run Mdesign, your printer will be listed
     in the printer list box.
_____________________________________________________________________
Data Repair Utility__________________________________________________

Data entered by the user is automatically saved and files are
closed when the program is properly exited. With  these and other
save guards to insure data integrity, there are times when the
data base may become corrupted. The most common cause of data
error is  a power interruption while the program is running. Do
not turn off the computer before properly exiting the program. If
this occurs, data can be recovered to its last-use state with the
ISAMREPR.EXE utility program. To repair a data base, from the DOS
prompt enter:

ISAMREPR databasename

The databasename is the Mdesign file to be repaired. The utility
will rebuild the data and provide feedback on the status of the
repair and integrity of the data base.


