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Input - Output Combinations, as defined on the Input - Output Tab of the Step Definition Dialog, define how the input of a Step Definition will change when it will move to the next step.

AKA: Input-Output Combinations are also known as Input Output Constraints.

Click one of the following links to learn more, or continue reading below the links:

Input Output Combination can be used for the following functions:

'Simple' Part Conversion
It is possible that, due to a manufacturing operation (step), the definition of a part changes. This is usefull if you want to see the difference of the input and the ouput part in the EZ-MES system (e.g. for the inventory count). To change this definition, a different Part Definition has to be connected to the Part Record.

This can be done by defining a new Input - Output combination on the Step Definition where this part change takes place. Select the correct Input and Output Part Definition and any Part Record that will move through this step will get the new Part Defintion (The step will only accept Part Records that have the Input Part Definition).

NOTE: The Part Definition of the Part Record only changes at the moment the step successfully is completed and the Part Record moves to next step as defined on the Flow Definition.
Change the number of parts
Beside a Part Conversion it is possible that the quantity changes due to the operation. This can be controlled by the Quantity field on the Input - Output combination. This value can be edited after the In
Constraining Flow Definitions
In a number of cases a good way to prevent the wrong parts entering a specific Flow Definition is to define an Input - Ouput combination where the Input and the Output Part Definition are the same.
Change User Defined States
On the Part Definition User Defined States can be defined.

A number of things you should know about 'Input - Output' combinations:

ANY -> ANY
If no 'Input - Output' combinations are defined, all Part Definitions can move through the Step Definition
Constraint
If only a single 'Input - Output' is defined for a Step Definition than only the 'Input' can pass through this step, all other parts with other Part Definitions will not be able to pass through this step.
Only ONE Input and ONE Output
An Input Output combination can never have 2 different Inputs that create a single output. If you want to have more inputs, e.g. for an assembly, you have to use the Consumption Data Entry on the Name-Value Pair Tab of the Step Definition Dialog.
Combining IO's in a Flow Defintion
When Step Definitions are combined in a Flow Definition the combination of all the 'Input - Output' constraints will determine which parts can move through the flow.
Part Transition happens when step is finished
The Part transition (if a change in Part Definition is defined) takes place at the moment the Step is finished and the parts move to the next step (at the moment of sign-off).

Click one of the following links to see how the 'Input - Output' combinations can be used for specific manufacturing operations: