Editing VPEs
You can use the aPriori VPE Manager to edit virtual production environment (VPE) data. This data includes facility data, such as variables, lookup tables, processes, operations, machines, and materials.
When you open a VPE, the data for the VPE is organized in the navigation list on the left. Select a folder or file to display its data on the right.
All VPEs have a consistent file structure. You can:
• Click the top-level VPE folder to display general facility data and usage information, such as a description, objective, and usage guidelines and limitations.
• Click each process group folder to display the cost model version and default material name. The Notes field contains information displayed to aPriori users on the VPE Details window.
• Click 
or double-click a process group to expand it:
or double-click a process group to expand it:Variables display the plant variables for the processes used in the selected VPE’s cost model.
Lookup tables display lookup tables, such as handling times or cut rates.
Processes display the default tool shop and default machine for each process. The Notes cell contains information displayed to aPriori users in the VPE Details window.
Operations display the operations associated with each process.
Machines display machine descriptions, rates, speeds, and feeds.
Materials display the material list and composition, sheet size, and rate data.
All the VPEs provided with your installation of aPriori have been created and tested to reflect specific costing behavior. Changes to these VPEs will impact cost estimates for all components using the VPE. We recommend that you use the following best practices to ensure that VPE changes are applied in a controlled and consistent manner:
• Make any VPE modifications in a staging environment before moving them to production.
• Create a data maintenance plan for each VPE to ensure that VPE data is kept current.
• Ensure that anyone editing VPE data attends aPriori Administrator training or engages with aPriori Professional Services for support.
To edit a VPE
1 Open the VPE you want to edit.
The VPE is displayed in the aPriori VPE Manager. You cannot edit aPriori starting point VPEs. For more information, see , see Opening a VPE on page 1.
2 Save a copy of the VPE as a backup.
3 Edit the VPE data.
You can use the aPriori VPE Manager to add or delete the machines and materials in each process group. You also can edit machine, material, and other VPE data. For more information, see Adding machine and material data on page 1, Editing VPE data on page 1, and Deleting machine and material data from a VPE on page 1.
4 Select File > Publish VPE from the aPriori VPE Manager menu bar or click 
in the toolbar to save your changes.
in the toolbar to save your changes.5 Select File > Close, press Ctrl+W, or click 
on the title bar to close the VPE Manager and return to the aPriori VPE Toolset window.
on the title bar to close the VPE Manager and return to the aPriori VPE Toolset window.