MDSI Offers Real-Time Factory Control System
A new software suite, MAXIMUM Factory
, offered by Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI) collects and analyzes
real-time data from machines on the plant floor, permitting management to track
workflow progress as it happens and to make timely, informed decisions,
according to a company spokesperson.
"With the information collected through MAXIMUM Factory, management is empowered to control product cost more closely, reduce downtime, and increase plant efficiency," according to Michael Mason, MDSI managing director. "MAXIMUM Factory provides management, supervisors and operators an integrated array of tools to improve plant efficiency and profitability."
An installed MAXIMUM Factory suite would include packages for the clients (management desktop), plant floor machines, and the internet or intranet. The suite includes six modules through which users can control vital plant functions. These are accessed through a shell.
MAXShell provides the on-screen work area for the modules, icons for which appear in a vertical toolbar. Users can access controlled areas with a button selection at the top of the screen. Selected applications are displayed in a separate window pane, preventing the screen from being cluttered with multiple applications. MAXShell also provides the ability to send instant messages to other areas of the company or to send e-mail.
Third-party applications can be fully integrated into MAXShell to become a seamless application for MAXIMUM Factory, according to a company spokesperson.
MAXOmni is a dual-purpose module with the ability to listen and command. Through the use of patented Significant Events tracking, MAXOmni reads data and determines what actions should be taken to maximize production. It can override the operator's run/cycle command if conditions are not acceptable. "Tool wear, out-of-tolerance, order change, and other conditions are costly. MAXOmni is designed to ensure that management response to these conditions and other major events are prompt and cost-effective," the spokesperson said.
MAXProduction provides immediate intranet and internet access to production statistics, stated the spokesperson. MAXProduction provides a view of the factory that can pinpoint trouble in real-time and provide multiple levels of statistical analysis. Comparison with theoretical data provides the information to make decisions for the manufacturing process.
Compatible with ISO9000 standards, MAXDocs helps manage engineering documents and the data needed to track the quality and status of production, including what, where, when, and how many. "Reassignment of work orders can be done with one click - information is immediately relayed to the operator and anyone else that needs the information," explained the spokesperson.
MAXInspection provides the tools to perform quality inspections on the parts and the tools necessary to inspect them and to record inspection data. The inspection data recorded can be displayed in a number of different formats for analysis - common charting such as histogram, X-bar and R, X and moving range, and more. Users can also keep records of gauge quality and performance.
MAXTooling , designed to promote effective tool life management, generates a list of criteria that determine tool life on a machine. MAXOmni then tracks tool usage according to cycles, events or other timetable. MAXTooling helps keep machines producing quality parts by assuring timely tool changes, said the spokesperson.
MAXMaintenance is used to track and schedule timely equipment maintenance and to track the machine's performance history and cost. Users can schedule predictive and preventive maintenance, create work orders, assign resources, perform diagnostic and trouble-shooting functions. "MAXMaintenance also includes the ability to build a trouble-shooting guide and diagnostics procedure, helping to minimize machine downtime," said the spokesperson.
MAXIMUM Factory packages are designed to facilitate communication and data gathering. The machine packages provide the tools necessary to view all information from the equipment. The machine software includes MAXOmni for tracking the current status for the machine and gathers information for progress updates. "In addition, these applications give the operator all the tools required to improve productivity," the spokesperson stated.
The client package includes a suite of applications, document tracking, production monitoring, maintenance scheduling, process and inspection setup and notifications.
"MAXProduction permits viewing vital information from the local intranet or an established internet connection, allowing the user to track the status of a plant or of order processing from anywhere in the world," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc.
3885 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-769-9000
Southwest
Steve Kern
Regional Sales Manager
MDSI
480-816-6760
E-mail: skern@mdsi2.com
Southeast
Ralph Kropp
MDSI
513-779-2152
E-mail: rekropp@mdsi2.com