FOCUS ON CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES
SMART FACTORY SOLUTIONS
MRP , ERP and MES manufacturing software solutions support better resource planning , scheduling and tracking , as well as lean manufacturing operations .
“ When considering an ERP system versus MRP for a manufacturing organisation , the core competences and historical pedigree of the system must match your business .”
Smooth and efficient processes reduce time and costs for manufacturers . Many are now embracing the challenge of digital transformation and eyeing new strategic technologies , as the path to Industry 4.0 beckons . Artificial intelligence , automation / robotics , Big Data and Augmented Reality are just some of the technologies in this mix , but the key to understanding and optimising production also rests with the software used to control , coordinate , analyse and optimise the flow of information and material / parts through a factory .
Cost-effectively managing a manufacturing business or discrete manufacturing business is complex — especially when it ’ s growing . It ’ s essential to have a manufacturing solution that provides real-time access to accurate business intelligence to help ensure better resource planning , scheduling and tracking , as well as support lean manufacturing operations . Robust , scaleable , modular tools for process , material and throughput optimisation allows manufacturers to align production goals with cash flow and profitability objectives .
From engineering and planning to production and quality control , manufacturing software packages offer the tools a business needs to create ‘ the best possible product in the most efficient and cost-effective manner ’. These suites can be used to streamline product design and configuration ; track and manage product components ; automate production scheduling ; accelerate the manufacturing process and improve product quality .
The manufacturing flow
“ In the current age of Industry 4.0 , the focus is on flexible manufacturing , standalone yet integrated machines and systems , and autonomous exchanges of process information ,” said Hubertus von Monschaw , Global Director Digital Ecosystems , Deutsche Messe . “ And the key to it all is the software that maps and manages these processes .”
Today ’ s MES ( manufacturing execution systems ) are about more than just fault analysis of individual machines .
They involve aggregating data to identify scope for optimisation and even develop entirely new business models . Whereas only a few years ago , CAD software was primarily about designing individual work-pieces and machine parts , there are now companies providing software platforms that model and manage entire value chains from design and parts procurement through to final quality control .
Manufacturing software applications make it easier to anticipate demand and can increase the accuracy of bills of material . Additionally , they help companies better determine the components they will need and when they will need them . As a result , they enable effective implementation of a Just-in-Time manufacturing model that can dramatically reduce inventory storage costs and improve cash flow .
Other benefits include improved resource
The key to understanding and optimising production also rests with the software used to control , coordinate , analyse and optimise the flow of information and material / parts through a factory
34 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR July / August 2021