Comprehensive Guide to Flushing Methods in Business Central (Version 27)

Flushing methods in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central v27 determine when and how raw material inventory is deducted (consumed) for production. Configure them well and you’ll streamline shop-floor posting, keep on-hand stock honest, and keep WIP/costing accurate.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

What are flushing methods?

They’re rules that tell Business Central when to post component consumption: manually by users, automatically at release (Forward), at finish (Backward), or automatically with a required warehouse pick (Pick+Forward / Pick+Backward).

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Where flushing shows up on orders

When you create/release a production order, the item’s method copies to Production Order → Components. You can override per line. If you link components to operations via Routing Link Codes (RLC), flushing can occur per operation (Forward on operation start, Backward on operation finish).

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Manual flushing (maximum control)

Mechanics: No auto-consumption. You (or operators) post the Consumption Journal (or Production Journal) with actual quantities and tracking.

Use when:

·         High-value or tracked parts (lot/serial).

·         Variable usage or scrap is common.

·         Exact lot/serial assignment at posting time is required.

Configure: Item/SKU → Flushing Method = Manual.

Workflow: Calc. Consumption → adjust to actuals → enter lot/serial → Post.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Forward flushing (auto at release)

Mechanics: Business Central posts expected component consumption when the order is released (or when a linked operation starts if using RLC). Moves material cost to WIP upfront.

Use when:

·         Stable, repetitive builds with predictable usage.

·         Low-cost bulk components.

·         You want early WIP recognition.

Configure: Item/SKU → Forward. Optional: use Routing Link Codes to flush at operation start (instead of at global release).

Caution: Without Routing Link Codes, everything flushes at release. Variances require manual adjustments.

Backward flushing (auto at finish)

Mechanics: Business Central posts consumption when you finish the order (or when each linked operation finishes with RLC). Consumption aligns to actual output quantity.

Use when:

·         You prefer consumption to reflect actual finished quantity.

·         Short/simple cycles, or you don’t need interim inventory drops.

·         You want minimal data entry until the end.

Configure: Item/SKU → Backward. Add Routing Link Codes to flush per operation completion.

A close up of a screen AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Note: If materials were scrapped before output, Backward won’t auto-consume them—post scrap/extra usage manually or model scrap % in the BOM.

Pick + Forward / Pick + Backward (warehouse-enabled)

Why Pick+? In locations that require picks, standard Forward/Backward skip creating picks. Pick+ methods force a Warehouse/Inventory Pick to move stock to the To-Production Bin before auto-consumption.

Prerequisite: Location → To-Production Bin Code set.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Pick + Forward

Mechanics: Create pick at Release, register pick, then Business Central posts consumption (as per Forward).

Configure: Item/SKU → Pick + Forward.

Pick + Backward

Mechanics: Create pick at Release, register pick; Business Central posts consumption at Finish (as per Backward), optionally per operation with RLC.

Configure: Item/SKU → Pick + Backward.

Assembly orders vs. Production orders

Assembly Orders: Components post together with output when you post the assembly—effectively backward-like and no WIP.

A close up of a screen AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Production Orders: Use the flushing methods above; WIP and operation-by-operation controls apply.

Jobs (project) consumption

Jobs don’t use production flushing. You post Job Journal entries for material usage (manual control; picks may be used, but no auto forward/backward trigger).

Costing & reporting impact

Forward: Costs move to WIP at Release; inventory drops immediately; great visibility but WIP may be high if work hasn’t started.

Backward: Costs move to WIP at Finish; inventory stays higher during build; aligns to actual output.

Manual: Costs move to WIP when you post; most precise, requires discipline.

A diagram of a process AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Common pitfalls & quick fixes

·        Auto-flush didn’t run: Check line method on Components; refresh the order; verify RLCs match routing; ensure stock exists.

·        Insufficient Qty / tracking errors: Pre-assign lot/serial on component lines before the trigger (Release/Finish).

·        Wrong bin consumed: For Pick+, ensure To-Production Bin is set; for non-Pick, ensure correct default consumption bin.

·        Double consumption: Don’t post journals for items that are auto-flushed; only post adjustments/scrap deltas.

·        Changed methods mid-order: Change on the component line (and refresh). If Forward already flushed, adjust via journal.

Quick selection guide

Manual: High-value, tracked, variable usage, exact control.

Forward: Predictable usage, low-cost parts, early WIP.

Backward: Output-driven posting, simple/short cycles.

Pick+Forward/Backward: Same as above, but required where locations need picks.

References (Microsoft Learn)

1.      Flush components according to operation output: Flush components according to operation output - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

2.      Register consumption and output for a production order: Register consumption output for a production order - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

3.      Batch post consumption: Batch post consumption - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

4.      About production orders (flushing copied from item, RLC behavior): About production orders - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

5.      Create routings (includes routing link codes): Create routings - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

6.      Pick for production, assembly, or projects (basic warehouse): Pick or move items for production, assembly, or projects in basic warehouse configurations - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

7.      Pick for internal operations (advanced warehousing): Pick for internal operations in advanced warehouse configurations - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

8.      Set up basic warehouses with operations areas: Set up basic warehouses with operations areas - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

9.      Design details – Internal warehouse flows: Design details - flows for production, assembly, and projects - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

10.  Assembly Management: Assembly Management - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

11.  Design Details – Assembly Order Posting: Design Details - Assembly Order Posting - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

12.  Assemble Items (how to): Assemble Items - Business Central | Microsoft Learn

13.  Omit warehouse pick for manual flushing methods (v27+ feature context): Omit warehouse pick for manual flushing methods | Microsoft Learn

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