Software specialist has set up a technical demonstration suite at a leading UK production machining contractor to provide practical explanation of how different systems can be integrated.

Seiki Systems, the Brighton, UK-based manufacturing software specialist has set up a technical demonstration suite at the Tewkesbury site of leading UK production machining contractor Kenard Engineering to provide an on-site practical explanation of how different systems can be integrated and benefits that can be derived simply by monitoring day to day production activities on the shopfloor. The setting-up of the Seiki Systems iMES, Integrated Manufacturing Execution System, enables workloads across all CNC machines installed in the workplace to be graphically scheduled following either direct integration with an existing MRP system or for smaller companies, using enterprised resource planning (ERP). In both cases iMES enables real-time feedback with constantly updated predications of workloads on machine tools creating dynamic information such as projected completion dates and performance reporting in a totally paperless environment.

Indeed, with the installation at Kenard Engineering, where some 18 CNC machines are in action, iMES has also been integrated with benchworking, painting, sheetmetal production and assembly areas to provide total day to day control of events on the shopfloor and gather 'real-time' data for management information and reporting.

For instance, visitors to the demonstration suite can be shown how a five machine flexible manufacturing system (FMS) with 72 pallets, which runs mostly unmanned through 24h/day at Tewkesbury, can be instantly and remotely interrogated for its past, current and future performance.

The use and benefits of real-time data collection was recently demonstrated involving the high productivity loading of the FMS when 1,828 mounting blocks were running through multiple fixturing set-ups and fed from the Fastems automation.

These parts were then followed up by three batches of different chassis prototypes of 10, 20 and 150 parts, a batch of just four special valve bodies and then a batch of 200 plates for machining.

Each component batch had already been 'approved for production' by iMES because everything such as program, fixturing, tooling, material and inspection had been automatically confirmed as available and the batches depicted 'on schedule' for customer delivery.

However, while 'real-time' production scheduling and monitoring are the major advantages of Seiki Systems' iMES, it is that 'what if?' function capability that sets it apart from competitor software.

This can be used to determine the consequences of proposed changes in quantities, delays, panic requirements, general capacity or equipment availability.

All these elements can be quickly and easily shown on the screen at Tewkesbury as part of the live demonstration of the true benefits of 'real-time' management information.