> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bold-factory.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tools and characteristics

> Understand tools, characteristics and technical compatibility in manufacturing.

**Tools** are auxiliary resources that operations can require. **Characteristics** describe reusable requirements those tools meet.

Use them when the operation depends on a fixture, mold, accessory, gauge, equipment or specific technical capability as well as a station.

## Concepts

| Concept | What it represents |
| - | - |
| Tool | Auxiliary resource selectable in planning or execution. |
| Characteristic | Reusable technical requirement, such as diameter, compatibility or function. |
| Compatible tool | Tool meeting a required characteristic. |
| Operation | Recipe stage that can require a tool characteristic. |

A tool can have several characteristics. A characteristic can apply to several tools.

Tools, their characteristics and assignment to operations are available when your plan includes **advanced planning**. If disabled, you cannot create or modify these requirements; existing data is preserved.

## When to model a tool

| Requirement | Recommended model |
| - | - |
| The resource is selected to execute work. | Tool. |
| The resource limits which operations can be done. | Tool with characteristics. |
| The data only informs the operator. | Step or instruction. |
| The resource is the main place of work. | Workstation. |

Do not turn every minor accessory into a tool if it does not affect planning, execution or traceability.

## Relationship with assignments

When an operation requires a characteristic, the assignment must select a compatible tool. The process determines compatible stations; the operation defines the tool requirement.

This helps you:

* avoid executing operations with incorrect tooling;
* propose valid resources;
* detect incompletely planned operations;
* analyze auxiliary resource availability.

Read [Assignments and operation groups](/en/concepts/manufacturing/assignments-and-operation-groups) for their use during execution.

## Relationship with resources

Tools belong to the resource model but differ from stations.

| Resource | Role |
| - | - |
| Area | Groups stations or areas. |
| Workstation | Main execution location. |
| Tool | Auxiliary resource needed for an operation. |
| Characteristic | Requirement that lets you choose compatible tools. |

## Related

* [Resources](/en/concepts/manufacturing/resources)
* [Processes](/en/concepts/manufacturing/processes)
* [Operations and restrictions](/en/concepts/manufacturing/operations-and-restrictions)
* [Prepare workstations and machines](/en/guides/manufacturing/prepare-work-centers-and-machines)


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