Interconnected MES Boosts Shop-Floor Control

As metal formers strive to optimize production throughput and eliminate bottlenecks, achieving 24/7 machine processing requires shops to maintain a clear, real-time picture of what’s happening on each machine, as does monitoring and managing workflows. Optimizing automated production requires that shop managers stay on top of the influx of machine data. And, controlling workflow from the office requires the right interconnected manufacturing-execution system (MES). 

Enter Prometheus MES, from BLM Group, which actively collects data from connected BLM Group machines, and provides valuable insight managers can use to optimize the workflow—independent of other machine software. This allows processes to be visualized—both on a statistical basis and through detailed reports of actual individual machine usage—consolidated onto one screen.

Through continuous analytics of all connected machines, Prometheus provides data that allows users to create a seamless workflow between the office and shop floor while maximizing machine efficiency. Jobs can be sent to machines and fully managed in real time from a computer in any location.

“Our industry is moving towards full automation, and we tend to default our vision around adding robots and cobots to processes,” says Mauro Corno, president and COO of BLM Group USA. “While those actions are essential, we also must consider the application of facility-wide integrated, smart software to more easily observe, analyze and control these automated processes. Prometheus works independently of ERP software to enable metal fabricators to manage all of their machine workflows through one application, including importing, starting, stopping and re-routing jobs. It also automatically projects total cost per part, helps to keep expenditures in check, ensures accurate timeframes and minimizes scrap.”