Page 19 - MetalForming October 2017

And, the Lantek Workshop software suite is optimized to record and validate 2D-cutting process and operation times. Users can record the completion of cutting operations without needing real-time con- trol, dividing the nesting validation process into two steps: cutting and ‘de-nest’, in order to differentiate the actual cutting time and the time spent taking the parts from the sheet. In addition, Lantek released a new version of Lantek Work- shop Capture that enables an operator to validate and record noncutting oper- ations in the workshop. Users now can record the completion of operations with- out having real-time control and they can edit data by reading the barcode to see the employee, workstation and operations to be validated.
www.lanteksms.com
• Seventy percent of respondents are using wearables (e.g., watches and glasses) in their operations.
• Ninety-seven percent either strongly agree or somewhat agree that business- process automation allows them to better service customers.
Research Examines Tech Trends
in Manufacturing and Distribution
Exact, a developer of business software, has released a research report examining the impact of technology innovation, busi- ness-process automation and the Trump administration’s regulatory outlook on U.S. manufacturers and distributors. The report examines the responses of 409 respondents surveyed by Berg Research, all of whom make or influence IT decisions at medium and large U.S. wholesale dis- tributors and manufacturers.
Key findings on the Trump adminis- tration’s regulatory plans:
• Sixty-three percent of wholesale dis- tributors and 50 percent of manufacturers anticipate that the plans will be beneficial to their businesses.
• Approximately one-third of manu- facturers and distributors have increased investments in technology and hired more U.S.-based employees.
Among manufacturers:
• Those who automate their core busi- ness processes with software (77 percent of respondents) had stronger average revenue gains in 2016.
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MetalForming/October 2017 17
• Eighty-one percent of respondents note that automation has improved employ- ee productivity.
The full 2017 Business and Technology Trend Reports for manufacturing and wholesale distribution are available for free download at erp.macola.com/2017trends. www.exact.com/us
Among distributors:
• Fifty-eight percent are using con- nected machinery (Internet of Things).
Software for Manufacturing