Lantek Steelworks 2012 integrates 3D design programs with automated production control

European regulations for prefabricated structures cover items such as stress calculations and dimensions so managing this information through the production and build cycles is important for companies within the industry, as is the need for continuous monitoring of costs, capacity and delivery performance. Lantek Steelworks 2012 provides the solution to these requirements. Lantek Steelworks 2012 includes ERP capabilities that control costs, production, budgeting, planning, purchasing and warehousing. It also links to Lantek's other software, Lantek Expert CADCAM automated nesting and CNC programming software for laser, plasma and punching machines, and Lantek Flex3d Steelwork which enables the cutting of I,U,L,T,H round and square sections. This system includes 3D nesting into the profile to optimise material utilisation, and produces safe and efficient cutting paths on sawing, drilling, punching, tapping, marking, oxycut and plasma machinery. In the existing fully Web-based version, intuitive operation through hot keys, dynamic filters, shortcuts, built-in email and the ability to export dedicated reports, have been added to make the system easier to use, even from tablets and smartphones, offering users the option of working on the move. Purchasing and warehousing enhancements keep track of material requirements, help to improve cash flow and simplify the purchasing manager's job. The dimensions of parts within projects is analysed and considered against available stock material sizes. Pre-nesting simulation calculates the mix and quantity of material needed, while knowledge of delivery dates and production times ensures that material is only purchased when it is actually required. Additionally, the system can manage the reservation of material for particular projects either from stock already in the warehouse, or from material ordered from a supplier, making it possible to re-allocate scarce material as production priorities change. For the production stage, Lantek Steelworks can now manage even bigger projects with very large volumes of component parts, keeping track of cost as production proceeds and the progress of each stage of manufacture, all in real-time. Intelligence within the system collates all the documentation against each project and part, ensuring full traceability from finished component to raw material and supplier. The addition of a Task Management module in Lantek Steelworks allows the software to handle an unlimited number of parts within a job, making the software able to handle the very largest projects. Its revamped interface, customisable menus and new organisational capabilities make it easy to filter and select parts, speeding up and simplifying the drawing, nesting and machining of components of any shape, while its material allocation tools ensure that stock material is appropriately reserved for manufacture. Interoperability with Tekla Structures is improved in Lantek Steelworks 2012. The description and numeric identifiers are taken through the whole system, as are technical details such as material specifications, sizes and finishes, giving much better transparency and visibility for the whole project. Similarly, design updates in Tekla Structures can be managed through the Lantek Steelworks system ensuring that the latest design data is always being used in manufacture.