Data driven insights for manufacturing

MMS Version 8, the newest release of Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software (MMS), claims to boost CNC automation intelligence to the next level by introducing a new MMS Insights view, giving practical ideas and suggestions on how to improve CNC production.

In addition, Fastems has developed the user experience and added functionalities that support an economical use of modular fixtures, allowing a higher production mix with smaller workholding investment. Version 8 will be available to new and as an upgrade to existing Fastems automation systems during the Spring of 2022.

The new MMS Insights module provides CNC companies with numerous highlights and suggestions on how to improve their production processes based on data gathered from the automation system, including integrated machinery and data systems.

MMS overviews the whole production process and comes up with suggestions such as adding or removing certain tools or fixtures based on usage rates or updating NC-program runtimes for more precise order scheduling.

Version 8 builds upon the functionality of the earlier MMS versions which offer users a full suite of options for automated production planning, including production resource preparation and an indication of missing resources such as cutting tools, raw materials, NC programs, or workholding. This enables operators to execute the planned production in a proactive manner, leading to higher machine utilisation, shorter lead-times and less work-in-process.

For manufacturers using the simple pallet automation systems like Flexible Pallet Container (FPC) or Flexible Pallet Tower (FPT), Fastems is introducing a new single-screen user interface with drag-and-drop pallet ordering, and a new MMS EasyRoute function that allows the operator to bring entirely new workpieces into production in under one minute.

In addition, for manufacturers that do not produce purely based on customer orders, there is a new Order Generator that automatically creates production orders based on rules defined by the user. For instance, the system can automatically maintain a certain stock level or produce a recurring batch at regular intervals.

For high-mix manufacturers that traditionally require many fixtures, Fastems has built a new optional Fixture Resource Management module that allows the use of modular fixtures enabling a higher production mix with fewer pallets. Using modular fixtures can result in cost savings on fixture investment, space savings on pallet storage, and time savings with less fixture building work.

Mikko Nyman, Fastems CEO, explains: “MMS is what makes Fastems automation the best on the market in terms of our customer’s capacity utilisation levels, ability to deliver just-in-time and produce high mix with low volume economically.

“We intend to continue to be the market leader in CNC automation for any machine tool brand, and the efficiency, integration capabilities and usability are what make the difference. With Version 8, we’ve enhanced our pallet handling features based on customer feedback, resulting in a new single-view user interface for simple CNC automation systems, and the ability to bring new workpieces into production in under 60 seconds.

“The Insights module helps manufacturers to make data-based decisions with the real-time reports on resource usage and the system data accuracy. Since many of our customers produce high mix, we have also introduced significant improvements for modular fixture management that can save a lot of money and time.”

Fastems
www.fastems.com