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Build Mode — Shop Floor Setup

Create and manage the physical structure of your manufacturing shop floor: lines, workstations, and machines.

Last updated: March 7, 2026

Summary

What Build Mode does.

Summary

Build Mode is where you define the physical layout of your shop floor. You create manufacturing lines, add workstations within those lines, and attach machines to workstations. This hierarchy follows the ISA-95 standard and provides the foundation for routing products through production in Configure Mode and Run Mode.

Lines

Top-level production grouping.

A line represents a manufacturing line — the top-level grouping in your shop floor. Lines appear in the left panel of Build Mode. Click + to create one. You can rename a line inline or delete it (with confirmation — deleting a line cascades to its workstations and machines).

Via chat: "Create a line called Assembly" or "Delete line Assembly" (confirmation required).

Workstations

Where work happens.

A workstation is a station within a line where manufacturing operations occur. Each workstation has a name and a position (sequence number) within its line. When you select a line, the center panel shows its workstations in order.

Click + to add a workstation. New workstations are placed at the next position automatically. You can rename, reorder, or delete workstations from the UI.

Workstations are referenced by route steps in Configure Mode — they define where each step of production happens.

Via chat: "Add 3 workstations to Assembly" creates three workstations with sequential positions.

Machines

Equipment attached to workstations.

A machine is a piece of equipment attached to a workstation. Each machine has a name and a status that follows the PackML state model.

The right panel shows machines for the selected workstation. Click + to add a machine. Machine status is displayed as a colored badge with valid transition buttons.

PackML machine states

7-state model for machine status.

StateMeaningValid transitions to
STOPPEDPowered off or not in useIDLE
IDLEReady but not producingEXECUTE, STOPPED
EXECUTEActively producingHELD, SUSPENDED, COMPLETE
HELDPaused due to faultEXECUTE, ABORTED
SUSPENDEDManually pausedEXECUTE
COMPLETEProduction cycle doneIDLE, STOPPED
ABORTEDEmergency stopSTOPPED

The system enforces valid transitions. Attempting an invalid transition (e.g., STOPPED → EXECUTE) returns an error explaining which transitions are allowed.

Using the Operator Assistant

Build your shop floor through chat.

Example commands:

  • "Create a line called Assembly"
  • "Add 5 workstations to Assembly"
  • "Add a machine called Solder Station to workstation 3"
  • "Set Solder Station to EXECUTE"
  • "What machines are in IDLE state?"
  • "List all lines"
  • "Delete workstation QC" (asks for confirmation)

Key facts and FAQ

Quick reference.

Key facts

  • Build Mode defines the physical shop floor: lines, workstations, and machines.
  • The hierarchy follows ISA-95: Line → Workstation → Machine.
  • Machines use a 7-state PackML model: STOPPED, IDLE, EXECUTE, HELD, SUSPENDED, COMPLETE, ABORTED.
  • Only valid PackML transitions are allowed — the system rejects invalid state changes.
  • All changes sync in real time across browser tabs via Supabase Realtime.
  • The Operator Assistant can create and manage all Build Mode entities via natural language.

Mini FAQ

What is a line?

A line is the top-level grouping in the ISA-95 physical model — it represents a manufacturing line. Lines contain workstations, which in turn have machines attached.

What is the PackML machine status model?

PackML (Packaging Machine Language) defines standard machine states. MESkit uses a 7-state subset: STOPPED (powered off), IDLE (ready), EXECUTE (running), HELD (fault pause), SUSPENDED (manual pause), COMPLETE (cycle done), ABORTED (emergency stop). Only valid transitions between states are allowed.

Can I set up the shop floor through chat?

Yes. The Operator Assistant can create lines, add workstations, attach machines, and change machine statuses — all via natural language commands.

Do I need Build Mode before using other modes?

You need at least one line with workstations before you can create routes in Configure Mode. Part numbers, items, and serial algorithms do not depend on Build Mode.