Multi-level FMS software raises productivity

Versatile control software, designed specifically for multi-level FMS, has been enhanced with new features to raise productivity and so extract maximum benefit from factory automation.

Versatile control software, designed specifically for multi-level FMS, has been enhanced with new features to raise productivity and so extract maximum benefit from investment in factory automation.

At EMO 2003, Fastems introduced its latest version of Manufacturing Management System (MMS).

The versatile control software, designed specifically for multi-level FMS, has been enhanced with new features to raise productivity and so extract maximum benefit from investment in factory automation.

Fastems' MMS is a versatile, PC-based control system that covers production information, resource management and production planning with a single, user-friendly interface, providing machine operators with essential information in a clear and understandable format.

It is a modular, scalable system that can be customised to meet individual needs and is applicable to various production profiles from predictable mass production to small batch sizes and unpredictable demand.

"The first MMS control, launched at EMO 1999 in Paris, benchmarked the first move towards Windows and the PC platform," recalls Matti Nurminen, manager of Fastems' Research and Development department.

"Now, after delivering nearly 200 MMS control systems around Europe and the USA, we have upgraded the system with innovative features that will be introduced at the Milan EMO.

Pasi Kauhanen, Product Manager, Control Systems, says, "In the latest version, new functionalities are divided between process and planning application modules which enable our customers to adapt the system in response to their own production philosophies.

The process module includes control applications for machine operators on the shop floor, whereas the planning module provides information, calculation and simulation tools for those who are responsible for production planning and production management.

The enhanced, order-based production planning system is able to prioritise orders in real time and automatically assign jobs to ensure that the most urgent work pieces are always dispatched to the machine tool first.

"This way our customers can prioritise the use of their production resources as well as significantly improve their on-time deliveries," continues Kauhanen.

"As a result, they optimise scheduling and decrease lead times, factors with a direct effect on competitiveness.

Another new MMS feature is the Autopilot control application which revolutionises operation of the loading station.

Intelligent software selects the optimum pallet for clamping the part, based on the availability of resources such as raw materials and machining fixtures, and the priority level of the production orders.

"Under Autopilot's supervision, users can concentrate on the machining process and let the software do the complex and time consuming optimisation work," Kauhanen points out.

"Parts that need to be loaded and machine pallets ready to receive those parts are automatically retrieved from the store in the order designated by the system supervisor.

Production Log is a new information management application that follows the production flow of a work piece and records which machines and programs have been used during its production.

Company management is provided with detailed information about the time for processing each order, allowing CNC cycles and cutting times to be followed and any production failures to be tracked and the reasons behind them analysed.

Fastems Oy Ab www.fastems.com Tuotekatu 4 FIN-33840 Tampere, Finland Tel.

+358 (0)3 268 5111 Fax +358 (0)3 268 5000 Business-ID 1507705-1 VAT FI15077051 Domicile: Tampere.

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