Multinational alliance delivers MES for CNC environment

An alliance of British, American, and German software and hardware companies has developed a turnkey manufacturing execution system (MES) for manufacturers with extensive computer numerical control (CNC)-driven production. Workloads across all CNC machines can be graphically portrayed and scheduled based on inputs from third-party ERP systems, or by a built-in MRP function for those smaller shops without an existing system.

Spearheaded by Seiki Systems, a Brighton, England-based distributed network control software company, the development project also included Chicago-based JobPack, a network control communications provider; and Fauser AG, an ERP and scheduling software developer based in Munich. The collaborative effort drew upon the expertise of each solutions supplier to produce a single-source, modular MES for a CNC environment.

Whether integrated with third-party ERP or not, the MES provides graphical machine scheduling based on machine workload capacity, status regarding completion dates, and performance reporting in a paperless environment. The system supports a range of critical functions—from estimating and costing to process planning, scheduling, and throughput management.

"The MES provides a simple-to-understand, real-time graphical view of the work requirements set against the actual working capacity of the machine tools," says David Trowell, general manager of Seiki Systems.

Throughout the project, Seiki contributed significant expertise in data collection and network control, Fauser brought to the table key ERP and scheduling functionality, and JobPack came through with core communications and the data-viewing module to meet specific U.S. market requirements.