WCO promises a range of advantages for work preparation, shop floor and control, including time-optimised automated production planning that takes the entire process chain, managed by WCO, into account, along with automatic detailed planning which allows production with smaller part buffers, among other parameters.
In particular, employees on the shop floor have a clear view of what tools and materials are needed, and which resources may be missing. Additionally, staff always know exactly which tasks are due in a shift as they are provided with clear, prioritised work lists. These various triggers improve the timeliness of resource ordering and transfer logistics so that tools and materials are always delivered on time to the machine, cell or FMS. If permitted, the employee at a machine or work cell also has access to all important production documents and instructions via the WCO module. Against this backdrop, WCO offers greater transparency with regard to current information on manufacturing capacities, production output and order status.
These few examples illustrate the potential of WCO, which Fastems says has a positive influence on the key parameters for efficient manufacturing, including higher utilisation of production capacities, increased output, shorter lead times, higher delivery reliability and less WIP.
Another aspect of the WCO software is that it provides all the tools needed to combine automated and non-automated manufacturing steps in a uniform production management system. Functions such as deburring and parts washing can now be incorporated into cells and monitored, along with CNC machine tools and the automation equipment integrated into the cell or FMS.
The solution is therefore a decisive step towards full integrated manufacturing management, often referred to as MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management), enabling continuous improvement of all production processes through the digitalisation of work flows.
As with all products and services from Fastems, WCO is offered at several levels of engagement and application for the comfort and practicality of a customer’s operations and goals. The company’s automation equipment and software can be installed in phases, with each stage growing in capability and functionality.
