Integrated tool control eliminates wastage

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Oct 5, 2005

Incorporating an integrated Bill of Tooling module to control usage, cost and availability of tools at the shop floor, a production control system suits many factories.

Prospec Systems have announced the release of the latest version of their PSL Datatrack production control system, incorporating a new, integrated Bill of Tooling module to control usage, cost and availability of tools and eliminate wasted effort at the shop floor, suitable for manufacturing companies of all types.

The Bill of Tooling (BOT) module is designed to define and manage the tools required for any given production or manufacturing sequence.

This new module is multi-function and deals with the requirements of 'make to order' and 'scheduled production' demands to trace not only the process but also to track the tool requirements, life and replenishment associated with a large variety of work pieces or items.

BOT enables the user to define tool stations and tools required within the manufacturing process or multiple variations of the production method and finally produce a complete setup and process sheet for the items to be manufactured together with immediate tool and equipment availability.

Tool inventory is maintained through automatic links from the Tools Stock module to Purchasing and Goods received.

Monitoring of stock levels and tool life estimates enable the system to suggest re-order points bringing to an end the possibility of a machine standing idle for want of a drill or cutting insert.

Integrated Purchase Ordering and Goods Received provide full traceability of equipment and the entire system is designed not only to handle the cutting tools but also durable items such as collets, chuck jaws, fixtures, tool holders and any other production necessary equipment.

Links to the integrated scheduling system and a full range of on-screen forecast reports, confirms availability of equipment, improves planning of production and makes best use of setter's time and machine capacity.