Explanation of Messages - Bicycle Manufacturing

Modified on Fri, 21 Jun at 6:59 AM

Below is a list of the more common comments and messages that your students may receive in the Bicycle Manufacturing business of our Management simulation, along with an explanation of why they are receiving the message and if necessary how to resolve the the issue causing the message. Messages can be found by going to Reports > Comments & Messages in the simulation.

The comments & messages box will show the source of the comment, i.e. which employee type is making the comment, what the comment/message is and how many times that comment/message was received on a given day.

Note: Not every comment or message indicates an issue that needs to be addressed. When looking at the comments and messages it is important to look at the number next to the comment/message, as this indicates how many times that comment/message was received. A comment/message with a large number should be addressed.

Source: AP Specialist
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Account Payable Invoices	No Accounts Payable invoices to process.	You may have to many AP Specialist hired. Check idle times and adjust staffing levels accordingly. Ensure that Purchasers are processing P/O's efficiently. Increase the number of Purchasers. Ensure that Raw Material Handlers are operating efficiently thus increasing raw material usage which generates more P/O's.
Source: AR Specialist
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Accounts Receivable Invoices	No Accounts Receivable invoices to process.	You may have too many A/R Specialist hired. Check idle times and adjust staffing levels accordingly. Increase production levels by ensuring all manufacturing positions are operating efficiently. This will allow you to bid on more jobs.
Source: Purchaser
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Open Purchase Orders	No Purchase Orders available to process.	You may have too many Purchasers hired. Check idle times and adjust staffing levels accordingly. Ensure that Raw Material Handlers are operating efficiently thus increasing raw material usage which generates more P/O's. Increase number of Raw Material Handlers. Increase production levels to increase raw materials usage.
Source: Sys Admin
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Server Maintenance Tasks	Server is operational and no tasks need to be performed	You may have too many Sys Admins hired and not enough work for all of them. Check idle time for each Sys Admin and adjust staffing levels accordingly.
Source: Assembler
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Bike Accessory Kit	No Bike Accessory Kits available for use.	Verify that at least one Bike Accessory Kit Stockpile has been added to the Raw Materials section of your factory. Verify at least one Bike Accessory Stockpile has been added to the manufacturing floor. Increase the number of Raw Material Handers and/or ensure that Raw Material Handers are operating efficiently. Verify that P/O's and Account Payable invoices are being processed efficiently.
Source: Finisher
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Looking for Unpainted Bicycle Frame	No unpainted bicycle frames available.	Verify at least one Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpile has been added to manufacturing floor. Ensure that Frame Welding is operating efficiently
Source: Frame Welder
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Trying to find a Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpile to drop off a Unpainted Bicycle Frame	A Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpile has not been added to manufacturing floor or available Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpiles are full.	Verify at least one Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpile has been added to manufacturing floor. Add additional Unpainted Bicycle Frame Stockpiles. Verify that Finishers are operating efficiently. Add additional Finishers.
Source: Wheel Builder
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
Trying to find a Wheel Stockpile to drop off a wheel	A Wheel Stockpile has not been added to manufacturing floor or available Wheel Stockpiles are full.	Verify at least one Wheel Stockpile has been added to the manufacturing floor. Add additional Wheel Stockpiles. Verify Bike Assembly is operating efficiently. Add additional Bike Assembly's to increase production.
Source: Customer
Message:	Cause:	Resolution:
You are late delivering our bicycle order of X units. We're not going to pay the full amount and won't accept any more bids from you for 6 months	Qty. order was not delivered to the customer by the Delivery Date specified on the Bids form.	Turn on the "Ship order automatically" option on the Ship Orders form. Ensure that your Daily Production will allow you to produce enough bicycles before bidding on a job. Increase daily production.