Product category:
Work-in-progress tracking software
News Release from: PSL DataTrack | Subject: PSL Datatrack production management software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 July 2003
Turned parts specialist now runs even
faster
A forward looking turned parts specialist, with a decade of investment in CNC, has learned how to run even faster through smart yet simple management software.
A forward looking turned parts specialist, with a decade of investment in CNC, has learned how to run even faster through smart yet simple management software 'We couldn't do all the jobs we do without it' says Qualiturn's Bernard Groom; 'we have so many short runs, we're probably doing fifty set-ups a week.' He's not referring to a new machine, although the business has benefited from introducing modern CNC sliding head technology
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Mar 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Qualiturn, like many sub-contract engineering firms, faces challenges that go way beyond simply producing machined components and selling them.
These can be broadly termed 'management issues'.
Any practical help in this respect is valuable, and Grooms' remarks are directed towards PSL Datatrack, Windows-based production management software from Prospec Systems Limited, designed to address the needs of SMEs.
The package comprises sales order processing, engineering, purchasing, workshop, scheduling, quality and finance modules; all can be linked, so users can gradually build up dependency, effectively implementing a relatively painless cultural change from paperwork-based systems.
Prospec designs and develops the system in-house, so changes are relatively easy, and it can be tailored to meet changing customer needs.
Qualiturn's experience is thus typical.
It now uses nearly all the modules, and it got there in stages, by gradual transfer from a traditional card system.
Now there are 15 concurrent PSL Datatrack users linked to a server in the main office building.
This kind of transition constitutes a major decision for an SME, and then there is some work required at the outset, getting job-specific information up on the system.
'It's not something you just do for a year,' says Groom; 'so you've got to get it right, and that's why the flexibility of the system is so important.
Being able to get the modules changed to suit our needs is very useful.' He goes on to explain how the user is able to tell Prospec how the software should be upgraded.
'You put in a wish list, and they incorporate this when they next upgrade the module.' The purchasing module makes sourcing of raw materials faster and simpler, and production planning more efficient; and the system is invaluable in coping with end user small batch requirements.
'Material is allocated to the part - via a unique works order number - and follows it through the system.
It takes away a lot of work, and eliminates mistakes.
Also traceability is phenomenal, it runs your approved supplier list - and flags up bad suppliers.' Which brings us to the quality module where functions include keeping details of each job, recording process deviations, and measuring instrument calibration.
These two modules in particular support IS09002 accreditation - 'our NQA auditor said it's the best system he's seen.' Meanwhile there's a seamless link with the sales office module, assisting generation of quotations.
'As soon as we get an enquiry the name and address of the prospective client goes onto the system; we can link to the purchasing module, which takes account of what's already in stock.
All of this ties into the workshop module, which carries details of each machine, and the set of instructions for each job - 'we used to keep these on bits of paper - and lose them' recalls Groom.
Benefits include best use of capacity, improved delivery performance and faster processing of repeat orders - also good for the customer.
Overall PSL Datatrack provides a simple knowledge-based approach, dependent initially on getting the correct data into the system and subsequently maintaining it, which streamlines the business process - an imperative nowadays for subcontractors competing in a global marketplace.
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