Lean production management

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has available its latest version of its Proficy Tracker software that helps companies realise lean initiatives by managing the execution of orders and the related flow of materials.

Version 7.5 helps to manage inventory schedule resources in real time and route material through the discrete manufacturing process and not only tracks the real-time location of orders on the production floor but it can be configured to perform routing logic on the movement of the product throughout the manufacturing facility.

This allows manufacturers to manage the physical routing and delivery of multiple product components and sub-assemblies into complex product assemblies.

The software can help companies monitor and manage production flow through the use of business rules; collect and store a variety of data about each component and assembly to create traceability records; provide control commands to production equipment to process and route materials; support inspection and rework processes, as well as production, assembly and packaging.

It works with a variety of production processes, making it easy for users to implement and operate a work-in-progress tracking system. The application uses data from automated sensors and readers including bar codes, RF tags and other mechanical tag systems and provides graphic screens to display tracking paths and item information and reflect production control commands.

It also maintains detail data for all jobs in the system, including content, status, location and production process counts and keeps cycle counts, repair information and carrier status online.

It accommodates different types of carriers and containers within a system, allowing manufacturers to track and route products even when the process transforms them.