Introducing features normally only found in MES solutions, WorkPlan 2020.0 is now placing itself as the main tool for centralising a company’s data to improve production management, including machine events, monitoring, CMMS, CAM supervision, workflow and part traceability.
Brand manager Christophe Mas says: “WorkPlan is the first ERP system to integrate MES functions as standard, placing it firmly as the backbone of a company, combining sales and production management, as well providing workshop supervision in real time.”
WorkPlan 2020.0 integrates internet solutions for job time tracking on the internet, including clock-in/out time tickets at the start and end of the working day, along with time spent on both productive and non-productive activities. This functionality avoids the need for additional time-consuming data input.
Mas says not all companies managing steel panel-type materials have the capacity or desire to set up a complete management system: “The latest release of WorkPlan offers a simple and efficient stock management solution for them, including aspects such as stock reception/withdrawal, inventory, scrap management and traceability.”
The system is even more time efficient when interfaced with Hexagon’s CAM software, Alphacam. As soon as the program is validated, data reporting in WorkPlan, and information about panels and plates, is all completed in a few mouse clicks.
Among further additions to WorkPlan 2020.0 is an ‘Activity Basket’, which according to Mas performs a variety of functions.
Says Mas: “When several tasks from different projects are performed simultaneously within a single production operation, such as 3D printing, heat treatment, punching, or laser cutting, it’s difficult to monitor and assign real cycle times and materials to each project without causing issues with job reports. Now, when preparing production, users can create a basket of operations grouped by service, and manage all cost distribution according to their individual needs.”
The supervision window allows consolidation of all pending, in-progress, or finished baskets and programs, either by operator or service. Moreover, information is available on real-time progress, documentation, and the number of components produced.
WorkPlan 2020.0 also features an improved interface to connect with the ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Online’ versions of QuickBooks accounting software. All customer and supplier invoices data are swiftly transferred, along with full company records.
