Page 30 - MetalForming October 2011

Software for Manufacturing
Software Simulates Hot Forming and Quenching Processes
AutoForm-ThermoSolver, from AutoForm Engineering GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland (Troy, MI), enables users to simulate the hot forming and quenching processes. The soft- ware takes into account heat flux and phase transformation dur- ing quenching. In addition, it allows for the graphical dis- play of the final part properties, such as thickness distribution and strain-stress distribution, as well as the final part properties which are charac- teristic of the hot forming and quenching processes, such as hardness distribution and martensite-content distribution. The software provides engineers with improved insight into the struc- tural transformation of material. The supported tailored-tempering process allows for the engineering of stamped parts with targeted local strength
properties.
Based on the results of AutoForm-Thermo-
Solver, crash-simulation accuracy can be improved by taking the real strength distribution of the hot-formed component into account. With AutoForm-ThermoSolver, car manufacturers and suppliers can reliably design and engi- neer the processes of hot-stamped parts for their new vehicles, such as A- and B- pillars, tunnels, front and rear bumper beams, side-rail members, door beams and
roof rails.
AutoForm: 888/428-8636; www.autoform.com
ERP Software Integrates Tax-Compliance Solutions
ERP software provider Syspro, Costa Mesa, CA, announced a strategic partner- ship with Avalara, a provider of AvaTax automated sales- and use-tax compliance solu- tions. Syspro now will offer AvaTax to leverage the Syspro open technology architecture, and deliver an integrated service that quickens and simplifies the exacting taxation requirements of small to medium-sized manufacturers and distributors.
AvaTax for Syspro integrates with Syspro ERP software to eliminate the hassle of tax-compliance processes and reduce the risk of sales-tax audits. The web-based serv- ice delivers instantaneous sales-tax calculations using a centrally managed, accu- rate calculation engine leveraging up-to-date sales-tax rates, rules and jurisdiction boundaries. Coupled with automated filing, remittance and exemption-certificate man- agement, AvaTax for Syspro offers tax functionality to boost business productivity while minimizing audit risk.
Syspro also recently announced the availability of Syspro BusinessLive, the com- pany’s new software-as-a-service solution. BusinessLive offers on-demand ERP via the Internet, allowing manufacturers and distributors to leverage the advantages of Syspro ERP software without investing in upfront IT capital costs and large IT staffs. Because BusinessLive is offered via subscription-based pricing, companies gain the ERP functionality required to boost operational efficiencies at predictable monthly costs, while enjoying full software scalability.
Syspro: 714/437-1000; www.syspro.com 28 MetalForming/October 2011
Flow Intl. Earns Microsoft Recognition for ERP Implementation
A 2011 Microsoft Dynamics Cus- tomer Excellence Award for Global Imple- mentation has been bestowed upon Flow Intl. Corp., Kent, WA, for its progress made in implementing Microsoft Dynam- ics across multiple countries, currencies, languages and business processes. The platform contains financial, project track- ing, inventory control and supply-chain management software.
Flow, a manufacturer of ultra-high- pressure waterjet-cutting and cleaning machines, is implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX initially across eight coun- tries in six languages throughout 400 users. It expects to later launch the system within at least another eight countries and in four additional lan- guages.
Flow International Corp.: 253/850-3500;
www.flowwaterjet.com
MRP Upgrade Integrates Data Acquisition Capabilities
TIW Technology, Easton, PA, has released Alere Manufacturing v9.5, which features the integration of Alere Data Acquisition. Alere Manufacturing comprises eight modules: Manager, Order, Route, Machine, Schedule, BOM, Plan and Cost.
When installed internally to Alere Manufacturing, the new data-acquisi- tion product provides operators with a streamlined system for issuing material to work orders. Accuracy is ensured as all scanning information is validated in real time. In addition to accommodating a variety of scanning devices, the func- tionality of Alere Data Acquisition is enhanced in that it also can be installed as an external executable program.
Other enhancements to v9.5 include:
• Internal e-mail system—Save time and effort by creating and sending e-mails directly from Alere, rather than using a standard e-mail program.
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