When Industry 4.0 has become the biggest trend in technology and the direction of industrial development which many leading entrepreneurs in many companies are paying attention so that their factory will become Smart Factory, it is no surprise that software and automation have a significant role in every section of the industry.
Delivering quality at short notice and cost-effectively, while still working profitably: This is the challenge facing metal companies – from medium-sized contract manufacturers to large companies. Those who want to compete must be flexible. The software expert, Lantek, develops individual solutions that fit the customer and his financial possibilities and, if necessary, also grows with them. Even for small businesses, increasing efficiency and profitability by using technical systems is no Utopia. With the modular software solutions from Lantek, metal-processing companies of all sizes can make their processes more efficient. From individual aspects in production and administration to the overall concept, “Lantek Factory” links production, technical planning processes, purchasing, and distribution. And, according to the principle of “Manufacturing Intelligence,” it is possible to establish a vertical relationship between the data flows at enterprise level (ERP) and production level (MES).
Lantek is leading the way in showing how sheet metal companies can use software to automate their businesses from end to end. In this industry, sheet metal cutting by many different processes such as punching, laser and waterjet is central to manufacturing, with the vast majority of components going through one of these CNC machines. Lantek’s Expert CAD/CAM software is a recognized leader in this field, with its ability to drive virtually every machine on the market and help companies to use material as efficiently as possible with its advanced nesting algorithms.
However, although this is at the heart of sheet metal manufacturing, other aspects of the business such as efficient quoting, manipulation of CAD data, controlling manufacturing and reporting on performance are also vital for success.
Lantek’s suite of MES software (Manufacturing Execution System) integrates with its CAD/CAM system to make use of the data already held about each job. It links together all the processes into a data collection feedback loop such as resource management, planning and execution of production orders, including non CNC operations, traceability and workshop performance to ensure parts are delivered to the right quality, on time and at a profit.
Intelligence built into this system can automatically take most of the decisions for the company, only escalating exceptions which require a manager to intervene. With this level of intelligence the software will help companies to greatly reduce mundane administrative tasks, allowing them to respond faster and more effectively to their customers, make better use of resources, both machine and human, and keep track of key performance indicators, putting them on the path to Industry 4.0
With this system of automation, manufacturers are keeping their machines running for a much higher proportion of the time, maximising return on investment. Additional benefits include flexibility of manufacture, making it possible to change between one job and another without lengthy setup times. Already within the CAD/CAM software of Lantek can nest and mix parts according to material thickness and type, reuse remnants, and link to MRP systems so that manufacture can accurately fit in with orders and delivery schedules.