> ## 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.

# Prepare work centers and machines

> Organize work centers, machines, and tools to plan and execute manufacturing.

Prepare the machines, lines, tables, and areas where work will take place. In Bold, these elements are configured as **resources** so each operation can run at a compatible workstation with the necessary tools. See [Resources](/en/concepts/manufacturing/resources) for the complete model.

Resources can be fixed or automated machinery, production lines, manual work centers, inspection areas, or services.

**Path:** **Production > Resources**

This view manages:

* **Workstations:** machines, lines, tables, or areas where operations run.
* **Areas:** hierarchy organizing workstations by plant, section, or line.
* **Tools:** auxiliary elements that may be required to run an operation.
* **Diagram:** visual view of areas and workstations.

## Steps to follow

### 1. Add an area

**Name:** enter the technical or usual name of the main area, section, plant, or line. For example: `Plastic injection`, `Machining`, `Assembly line`, or `Plant 1 - Logistics`.

**Description (optional):** explain what happens in the area, which products are processed, or any layout detail the team should know. For example: `High-density plastic parts molding area. Includes hydraulic presses 1 through 5.`

### 2. Add a workstation

**Name:** use a clear, specific identifier operators can recognize on their screens. For example: `Automatic labeling line`, `Visual inspection workstation 2`, or `Haas CNC lathe 01`.

**Description (optional):** add technical context, restrictions, or notes about the work performed at the workstation. For example: `Press for molding metal parts up to 5 mm thick.`

**Capacity:** indicate whether the workstation can process several jobs at once.

* **If you leave the checkbox unchecked**, planning assigns only one operation at a time to the workstation. For example, operations on a CNC machine, welding robot, or manual work center cannot overlap.
* **If you select the checkbox**, you indicate that the workstation can process simultaneous work. For example, it could be an industrial oven, conveyor belt, or drying area.

**Area:** select the area the workstation belongs to. For example, assign `Assembly table B` to `Final assembly`.

<Note>
  All workstations must belong to an area.
</Note>

**Consumption location:** select the location where raw materials should be before executing an operation. Bold uses this location as the destination when you request materials.

**Generation location:** select where material produced by the workstation is recorded.

<Info>
  Configure **Consumption location** to create provisioning movements to the workstation. See [Provision raw materials](/en/guides/warehouse/provision-raw-materials).
</Info>

### 3. Add a tool

A **tool** is an auxiliary element, mold, die, fixture, or critical consumable installed and removed at a workstation to manufacture a particular product.

**Name:** enter the technical name, inventory code, or identifier production and maintenance teams use to recognize the tooling. For example: `AC-40 front housing mold`.

<Tip>
  Register the element as a tool if replacing it requires stopping the machine and changing its setup.
</Tip>

**Path:** **Production > Resources > Tool**

**Assign characteristics:** with **Advanced planning** enabled in your plan, add properties to filter tools and determine their compatibility with each job.

<Note>
  **Example:** assign these characteristics to the tool `Front housing mold X`:

  * **Compatible material:** `Polypropylene (PP)`.
  * **Number of cavities:** `4`.
  * **Shade/color:** `Black plastic`.
</Note>


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