Products
Interactive SQC Tool
Cornerstone 2.0 is a software package that provides flexible, interactive statistical quality control (SQC) to enable manufacturers to monitor and improve their processes. This new release of BBN's exploratory data analysis software allows users to proactively monitor and improve their processes by drilling down through their data to uncover underlying problems. Using statistical techniques available in Cornerstone, manufacturing companies can obtain a greater understanding of their processes, resulting in increased yields and reduction in scrap and rework. Cornerstone 2.0 includes two new SQC modules with a graphical, point-and-click interface that makes it easier to monitor processes, identify problems and proactively improve quality.
AK Steel Corp., an integrated steel manufacturer in Kentucky, uses Cornerstone 2.0 to collect information and chart trends in massive amounts of production and process data. The company collects data from its blast furnace every five seconds, 24 hours a day. Then it plots the data, which includes thousands of points for one time period, and creates trend charts showing the operating variable movement during the day. Cornerstone enables AK Steel to plot the information, spot trends and proactively apply preventative measures to any potential problems.
BBN Software Products Corp., 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, (617) 873-5000, .
Integrated Control System
MRP9000 is an integrated manufacturing control system which combines MRPII philosophies and functions with tools to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers with ISO9000 documentation. MRP9000 covers all facets of the manufacturing process, including complete accounting, order entry, purchasing, job costing, bills of material, inventory control, MRP and master scheduling. Additional modules include shop floor control, lot tracking, general ledger, quoting, physical inventory, engineering change order, and return material authorization.
Intuitive Manufacturing Systems Inc., 11825 120th Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, (206) 889-2121, .
Batch Control
FIX BOS (Batch Operations Supervisor) integrates batch control with advanced manufacturing execution system (MES) functionality. FIX BOS applications use this integration to simplify design and reduce development time for batch processes. It includes MES-level modules for materials handling, WIP inventory, quality control, and bar coding.
Intellution, One Edgewater Drive, Norwood, MA 02062, (617) 769-8878, .
Layout Optimization
LayOPT software optimizes and analyzes facility layouts, and is able to evaluate assembly plant, warehouse and office layouts. Given an initial layout design, LayOPT checks all possible department combinations to determine the best layout solution for each facility. It also solves multiple floor facility layout problems. Once the optimal facility layout is in place, process simulation can be used to further evaluate system efficiency.
Production Modeling Corp., 3 Parkland Blvd., Suite 1050 West, Dearborn, MI 48126, (313) 441-4460.
Design Through Mfg
Bravo 4.9 is a design through manufacturing software product that now includes associative assembly drawings. These drawings can be automatically updated to reflect the latest part revisions, facilitating the production and maintenance of engineering parts, assemblies and drawings. Design to manufacturing integration has been improved by positioning cutter paths and drill depths relative to part geometry.
Applicon Inc., 4251 Plymouth Road, P.O. Box 986, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0986, (313) 995-6000. IM
Go back to Intelligent Manufacturing (June 1995) table of contents
Go to next story: Calendar
All contents © 1995 Intelligent Manufacturing. Reproduction by any means prohibited.