Lean and Efficient Flexible Manufacturing Systems
We provide software and training for successfully implementing an automated flexible manufacturing system. Our software and consulting help you design a new FMS, improve OEE in an existing FMS, integrate ERP and automation, and iteratively improve manufacturing production.
Scribe Barcodes and Track Material
Automatically scribe a barcode on each part during machining or print a label at the load station. Customize the barcode to contain a unique serial, the part name, the pallet, the machine number, and other relevant data. Use barcode scanners at various stations such as the inspection station to view the specific piece of material's history.
Plan for Future Demand
Forecast machine quantities, estimate required labor, compare manual and automation system cost, decide on required flexibility, and predict a cost-per-piece. Create a comprehensive project justification based on a realistic implementation plan. All from a single tool.
Securely Broadcast Information Throughout the Factory
Securely connect the cell to your factory network, providing targeted data displays for operators, supervisors, and engineers. Use barcodes, material tracking, and in-process queues to track material as it flows through multiple manual and automated cells, enters and leaves automation, and travels throughout the factory.
Reduce Cost/Piece
Analyze data from production to find flexibility problems and bottlenecks. Forecast the impact of potential part-pallet-machine combination changes on machine OEE. Identify problematic programs via statistics on cycle times and inspection results.
Predict Tool Usage and Replacements
Collect tool usage amounts for each program by monitoring machine execution. Calculate future expected tool usage for the scheduled parts and estimate which tools will soon need to be replaced. See trends in tool usage changes over time.
Use AI for Lean and Efficient Scheduling
Import orders and due dates from your ERP and optimize the orders for daily operation. Use AI to ensure enough flexibility to keep the machines busy but keep the system lean to prevent traffic jams, all without manual data entry. Automatically copy the resulting daily schedule into the cell controller, saving operator time managing data.
Path-Aware Inspections
Use material tracking to ensure each part-pallet-machine combination is periodically inspected. Signal inspections by serial and provide robust information at the inspection stand.
Robotic Loading/Unloading Integration
Provide the control and data for an automatic load/unload robot. Integrate the cell controller with the robot PLC, telling the load/unload robot what to load, what to unload, and what to reclamp based on the calculated schedule. We are also researching the use of the latest in neural networks, deep learning, and artificial intelligence to optimize a robotically loaded flexible manufacturing system.
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Get Started Today
Contact our integration experts at CMS Research to obtain a free customized quote, see live demos, arrange a visit to one of our customers, obtain expert advice, receive training, and more. CMS Research has decades of experience managing a flexible manufacturing system all the way from initial design to optimized production.
Email cms@cmsres.com or call 1-920-235-3356.