April 7, 2009 --- Leading CAD/CAM/CAE group, Planit Software Ltd has consolidated its manufacturing solutions with the creation of a new divisional brand, Manufacturing Control Solutions (MCS).

Headed by commercial manager Phillip Gill, the new division helps manufacturing companies to maximise the effectiveness and efficiencies of their production resources, reduce waiting times and increase profits through improved machine tool communications, monitoring and run time driven maintenance.

Core MCS products include a two-tier DNC solution and advanced Machine Tool Monitoring system. DNC within Manufacturing Control Solutions utilises modern Ethernet-based communication and data management tools to deliver up-to-the-minute information on the part production process, along with faster and more reliable CNC file management and storage.

High speed file transfer streamlines program loading, with automatic upload, download and drip-feeding of CNC programs to the appropriate machine tool controller. Program, load and save commands are carried out directly at the machine controller keyboard without the need for additional machine specific terminals. In addition, automatic file history storage, tracking and logging ensure full traceability and compliance to FDA, DIN and ISO standards.

DNC Pro builds on these capabilities by supplying a more sophisticated level of data management and control of NC code and associated manufacturing documentation. It is a client-server .NET application fulfilling the requirements of FDA certification to medical equipment standard DIN EN ISO 13485:2003 for file management. In addition to storing NC files and maintaining a detailed log of all NC file transactions, DNC Pro is based on a SQL database which provides complete file traceability and full audit compliance support. The system also incorporates integrated data management via 'drag and drop' functionality, as well as full file revision control and automatic versioning.

MCS's Machine Tool Monitoring (MTM) system is a Windows-based real time machine data capture application that enables users to monitor information on machine tool activity for retention and analysis. Data on productivity can be reviewed on a machine-by-machine basis or by shift-by-shift comparison, along with reasons for stoppages and non-productive time. Access to real time data ensures production problems and bottlenecks are quickly identified and addressed. MTM data is stored on a central server, which provides various types of analysis on current and past production processes. Information can be exported for detailed external analysis, or output in graphical or spreadsheet formats for inclusion in management reports and business presentations.

MCS solutions integrate closely with Planit's class-leading alphacam, edgecam and radan CAD/CAM applications, as well as jobshop manufacturing software. They are equally suitable for use with third party CAD/CAM systems and are compatible with all types of CNC machine tools - providing users with a universal method of maximising output from their production resources.

"The creation of Manufacturing Control Solutions within the Planit group offers customers a one-stop shop for all their manufacturing data and machine tool monitoring requirements," says Mr Gill. "It also means we can supply them with true end-to-end solutions and a single point of contact for all their manufacturing applications. 

"In today's economic climate, companies are under constant pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise waste. To meet these challenges, we are developing ever more sophisticated tools that will enable users to optimise manufacturing processes and ensure maximum return on their investments."

About Manufacturing Control Solutions

Specialising in machine tool communications and monitoring, Manufacturing Control Solutions is the latest division to be created within the Planit Software group. It is headed by Phillip Gill, whose wealth of engineering and manufacturing sector experience includes more than 17 years working in the CAD/CAM solutions arena. He takes up his new position following three years as business development manager at Reading-based engineering software house, edgecam.

Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries. The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers. Planit's solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe. For additional information, visit: www.planit.com.

rob.bloom@prplus.co.uk