# SyteLine alternate routing and alternate BOM: a worked example > Source: https://netray.co/erp-help/syteline-alternate-routing-and-alternate-bom-example > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: ERP Help ## Short answer An alternate routing or BOM is a second valid way to make the same item, for example a different machine or a substitute component set. You maintain it as a separate version tied to the item, and the job order picks the version you specify or the default. Planning generally uses the default unless your setup directs otherwise, so verify what MRP actually assumes. Field names vary by release. ## Kind how-to ## System syteline ## Erp Infor SyteLine (CloudSuite Industrial) ## Module Engineering / Routings and BOMs ## Query syteline alternate routing example ## Alternate Queries - SyteLine alternate BOM - SyteLine alternate routing setup - SyteLine job order which routing is used ## Applies To SyteLine 9.x and CloudSuite Industrial 10.x discrete manufacturing ## Steps ### Set up and use an alternate **Items:** - Decide what differs: operations and work centers (routing), components (BOM), or both. Keep the item number the same. - Create the alternate in the routing and BOM maintenance for the item with a distinct alternate identifier. - Enter operations, work centers, run times and setup times that reflect the alternate process. - For a BOM alternate, enter the substitute components with quantities and scrap. - Cost-roll the item so you can compare standard cost of default and alternate. - When creating a job order, specify the alternate you want; otherwise the default version is copied. - Run MRP on a test item and check which version the planned orders reflect. - Document when planners should choose the alternate (capacity overload, material shortage). ## Sections ### Worked example **Body:** Item PUMP-HOUSING is normally machined on a 3-axis mill (operation 10, 45 minutes run) then deburred (operation 20). When the mill is down, the shop uses a 5-axis machine at 30 minutes run with a longer setup, skipping a separate deburr. These are two routings for the same item: default and alternate. In the alternate, work center, run time and setup differ, so labor and machine cost differ. The BOM is identical, so no BOM alternate is needed. If the alternate used a different casting supplier part, you would also create an alternate BOM. **Code:** - Item: PUMP-HOUSING Default routing : OP10 MILL3AX setup 0.5h run 0.75h/ea ; OP20 DEBURR run 0.1h/ea Alternate routing: OP10 MILL5AX setup 1.0h run 0.50h/ea ### How job orders and planning choose **Body:** When you create a job, you choose which routing and BOM version it copies. Once created, the job has its own copy, so later changes to the item routing do not alter it. Check the job's routing before release, especially if the alternate was chosen for a one-off reason. Planning engines typically plan against the default version. If you want planned orders to reflect the alternate, make it the default for that period, or let the planner change the job at firming. Test with MRP so you know what your setup does rather than assuming. ### Cost, capacity and governance **Body:** Alternates change cost and capacity loading. Run cost roll for both, decide how variance will be reported, and make sure the shop floor reports against the right work centers. Limit who can create alternates, since each is a controlled engineering document in regulated industries. Retire alternates that are no longer used. Dead alternates confuse planners and clutter job creation. ## Pitfalls - Assuming MRP automatically selects the cheapest or available alternate. - Editing the item routing and expecting open jobs to change. - Forgetting to cost-roll the alternate. - Leaving unused alternates active. - Creating an alternate without engineering approval in a regulated environment. ## Ai Angle An assistant grounded in your SyteLine routings can list items with alternates, compare their cost and load, and show which open jobs use which version, with the query visible. For capacity overloads it can suggest which jobs could move to an alternate. The actual change is made and approved by your planners. ## Faq ### What is an alternate routing in SyteLine? **Answer:** A second routing version for the same item, typically a different work center or process. A job order can copy it instead of the default, which changes labor, machine time and cost. ### Does MRP choose an alternate BOM automatically? **Answer:** Generally planning uses the default version. Do not assume otherwise. Test your configuration, and if you need the alternate planned, switch the default or change the job when firming. ### If I change the routing, do open jobs change? **Answer:** No. A job holds its own copy created at job creation. Change the open jobs separately if needed. ### When should I use an alternate BOM instead of a new item? **Answer:** Use an alternate when the finished item is the same form, fit and function and only the components differ. If the output differs, create a new item or revision. ## Search terms syteline alternate routing, syteline alternate bom, syteline routing example, syteline job order routing, csi alternate process, syteline cost roll alternate, syteline item routing, syteline mrp alternate --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json