Fastems LLC, a maker of machine tool control systems, will unveil a new manufacturing execution system next month that it says increases machine utilization by adding predictive scheduling and providing resource planning to all users, from shop floor operators to management. The system, according to Fastems, gives users visibility into what supplies are needed and what tasks to perform during the day.

The new Manufacturing Management System 5 (MMS5), to be introduced at the EMO Hannover metalworking show, has multiple modules that range from material and tool management to warehousing and robotic cell integration. The MES application, which can be integrated with an ERP system, is delivered via a touch-screen control panel with user-configurable dashboard views for monitoring machines and getting information on factory performance, the company said.

Built-in capabilities include master data management, resource planning and monitoring, production order management, and fine scheduling. For example, the work-list screen displays machining capacity for each machine tool. And the fine-planning tool creates job lists for loading stations and machine tools, and also decides what tools and materials are needed during the schedule, the company said.

Another function in the MES application is the MMS Station Commander, which consolidates all loading station operations so that the operator has access to instructions and documentation. Using the touch panel, a user can see what jobs to perform during the day, and also control station movements and commit loading jobs.

In addition, while MMS5 does enable robot cell integration, the company is introducing a separate application at the EMO show that provides offline robotic programming. The software, called Fastsimu, is said to be a user-friendly application that provides robotic production features geared toward machining, grinding, and de-burring operations. Robot program simulations, which, according to the company, users can implement to set up a work cell prior to spending any money, include near-miss and collision inspections, monitoring of robot joint limits and speeds, tool change, and cycle time inspection.

Also, Fastems says, the software can be used in conjunction with 3D CAD models or by utilizing tool paths created by CAD/CAM, which makes it possible to program the robot just like any other multi-axis machine tool.