I am using Windchill PDMLink Release 12.1 and Datecode with CPS 12.1.0.0
One of our new (2) SBU teams are facing a unique challenge: the current Windchill (PTC) setup doesn’t allow creating ECNs with staggered, component-level effectivity dates (for example, one component changing on Jan 15 and another on Mar 30). Their current workaround—forcing both ECNs to use the earlier date and then manually updating production orders—is causing some inventory inaccuracies
If PTC aware of any similar situation and have workable solutions or best practices, we would greatly appreciate your guidance..
Here are the errors that I faced
Please find Detailed Summary (Windchill -SAP)
Example we have parent part PN “XXXXXX”
• The parent part PN “XXXXXX” currently has a BOM with components A, B and C.
• Engineering needs to replace components at different times because of phase-outs and stock levels.
Two separate engineering changes (ECNs) are created:
1. In the parent part PN “XXXXXX” First revision , ECN-01 → Replace component A → New component H , Release the parent part
• Effectivity date set to March 30, 2026 (because component A is scheduled to be phased out on that date).
2. In the parent part PN “XXXXXX” Next revision, ECN-02 → Replace component C → New component Y, Release the parent part
• Engineering needs ECN-02 to take effect earlier (example January 15, 2026) because stock of component C is running out fast and production must switch sooner.
Windchill constraint encountered:
Windchill will not accept ECN-02 (part) with an effectivity date earlier than ECN-01’s(part) effectivity date (March 30, 2026). In other words, Windchill enforces ordering of effectivity dates and prevents entering a later parts with an earlier effectivity date than a previous revision.
Root cause
The root is a system/design constraint: Windchill does not allow ECNs(parts) to be sequenced with effectivity dates out of chronological order when those ECNs(part) affect the same parent. The system assumes later ECN(parts) cannot take effect earlier than earlier ECNs(parts), which blocks legitimate business needs where different components must change at different dates based on supply constraints or phase-outs.
Impact in business side
Operational mismatch with reality
• In real life, they need to stop using component C earlier (Jan 15) but Windchill design forces them to wait until Mar 30 (because ECN-01(PARTS) has that date). This creates a mismatch between what engineering records and what production must do.
Workaround that the team uses
• They change both ECN-01(parts) and ECN-02(parts)effectivity dates temporarily to Jan 15, 2026 (so both show Jan 15 as effective).
• Between Jan 15 and Mar 30, they manually edit production orders for PN “XXXXXX”, swapping component H back to A (or vice versa) to manage stock and production needs.
• After Mar 30, the official change for A→H is honored
