Page 25 - MetalForming February 2020

information multiple times into mul- tiple software programs and switch continuously from administrative and accounting management to manual nesting.
...and After
Adding the SigmaNest production- management system was Tecno Mec- canica’s first step toward achieving maximum efficiency of its equipment and workforce. Implementation of custom-made plug-ins made it pos- sible to speed up operations by guar- anteeing the management of 4000 to 5000 custom items during the entire implementation phase, while sup- porting the exchange of information with the company’s administrative management.
SigmaNest software was pro- grammed to manage key areas needed for production. Parameters allow users to add cycle time for secondary phases such as folding and painting to the automatic calculation of cutting and
part costs. Reports include part dia- grams and bending sequences for clear communication in all departments. SigmaNest’s integrated inventory data- base prevents production delays by automatically alerting users when new material will be needed to fulfill upcoming orders.
The first step: Create automation that allows the importation of infor- mation from the management software to manage the entire production flow in SigmaNest. Each item’s work cycle is defined, with expected production times entered into the program. Once an item’s NC code is generated, the program provides a summary printout with the master date and technical information for the piece.
At the end of the production cycle, operators update the printouts with final realization times, comparing them to initial estimates. Significant differ- ences may signal a need for trou- bleshooting. Having a clear report allows operators to isolate the cause
from machine maintenance to process inefficiency. Any actual necessary cost adjustments are fed back into the sys- tem for precise quoting and aligning expectations. In addition, the infor- mation in the SigmaNest database pro- vides a constant update of the ware- house situation, necessary for the eventual re-ordering of the material.
Other benefits resulting from the software switch include lower material costs due to improved remnant uti- lization; reduction in paperwork float- ing around the shop floor; and better production flow with improved machine usage tracking.
“We are able to make the most of all of our cutting centers, thanks to the dialogue with the software,” explains Roberto Cipollini, Tecno Meccanica owner. “We have increased the smooth- ness of our operations while simplify- ing our business processes.” MF
Article supplied by SigmaTek Sys- tems, LLC, Cincinnati, OH; 513/674- 0005, www.sigmanest.com.
Fabrication: Software
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