SimTrans goes beyond simple integration with MRP

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems were born into a world where computers were supposed to automate and simplify manufacturing. Since their invention, MRP systems have evolved into a crucial tool for manufacturing, increasing in importance with the advent of just-in-time production. As lead times have reduced, the necessity of planning properly for inventory and material requirements has grown more and more crucial because without the necessary materials could prove to be disastrous. Many manufacturers have grown to distrust MRP systems due to frequent errors, lack of usable data and unreliable forecasts. In order to mend the situation, SigmaTEK Systems developed a product called SimTrans, which communicates between MRP systems and physical production based on real-time factory events. This takes actual customer demand, not just an arbitrary forecast, and links it with resource availability, run time of the process and the setup time needed to make adjustments in the product. Through the balance of these inputs, production can work smoothly down to the second; an impossibility using stand-alone MRP. SimTrans goes beyond simple integration with MRP to serve as a platform that continually updates data in multiple business systems, including MRP and order entry systems. SimTrans acts as the strongest link between multiple software tools, maintaining the most current information and creating a streamlined, efficient work-flow by eliminating duplication of tasks. Management software is typically maintained on a large, centralised server or mainframe while SigmaNEST is installed on remote workstations. SimTrans links the two systems regardless of the platform used for installation, so the database of work orders and material inventory maintained within SigmaNEST can be accessed and changed from within business management software. In doing so, the communication between corporate operations and manufacturing operations are in one location and are reliably up-to-date. When using SimTrans, SigmaNEST programmers are able to focus more on their area of expertise and less on administrative duties. SimTrans can also serve as a connection between engineering software such as SolidWorks, Solid Edge, AutoCAD, ProE, and Unigraphics and SigmaNEST. When changes are made to a part's geometry or properties through SimTrans the modifications can be recognised and updated in SigmaNEST part files. SimTrans allows your company to save time and money on unnecessary tasks that can be conducted automatically.