In a competitive environment, maintaining an advantage over the competition is essential. Are you tired of wasting time walking to and from your CNC control and computer? Are you wondering if there is a better way to network and communicate with your machines? Improving shop efficiencies is important to keep productivity—and profits—high, and by implementing DNC Software in your Fort Worth TX facility, you can do just that.

What is DNC Software?

DNC Software enables you to manage CNC programs, machine parameters, and offsets on a single network. This type of software allows a wide range of CNC communication options from your PCs to your DNC machines, and by implementing DNC Software in your Fort Worth TX facility, you can greatly improve shop floor efficiency.

Benefits of Installing DNC Software

There are numerous benefits that come with installing DNC Software at your facility. Some of these benefits include:

 

  • Drip-feeding, downloading, and bi-directional communication
  • Eliminates walking to and from CNC controls and PCs
  • Improves CNC revision control
  •   Eliminates time wasted due to CNC communication failures
  • Ability to manage machine files, remote requests, and file transfers
  •   Works on any machine because it is not just serial-based
  •   Enables you to drip-feed large programs

Types of DNC Software

There are two main types of DNC Software offered by Shop Floor Automations.

The first is Predator DNC Software. This package allows you to network all CNCs, EDMs, robots, and PLCs on one network. Major CNC protocols like Mazatrol (CMT), Okuma B, and Xmodem are all supported and you can send and receive drip-feed to up to 4,096 devices. With highly flexible interface options, you can easily communicate with your shop equipment via wireless, wired, USB, and Ethernet.

Ascendant eXtremeDNC Software is another type of quality DNC Software. This software allows you to push and pull files to CNCs from PCs remotely. You also gain reliable RS232 communication and support for Windows XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003/2008R2 – 32bit & 64bit systems. If you are looking to implement quality DNC Software in Fort Worth TX, Ascendant eXtremeDNC Software is a good option.

Contact Shop Floor Automations today for help implementing DNC Software in Fort Worth TX!

Are you ready to implement DNC Software at your facility in Fort Worth TX? If so, contact Shop Floor Automations today at (619) 461-4000 to learn more about the services we offer or request a quote. Whether you are looking to implement Ascendant eXtremeDNC Software to enable reliable RS232 communication via wireless and wired or Predator DNC Software, which networks all CNCs, EDMs, PLCs, and robots with singular DNC software, Shop Floor Automations can help. We’ve helped automate thousands of shop floor machines and would be happy to help improve the efficiency of your shop as well!

To learn more about the services, software, and hardware offered by Shop Floor Automations, please visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

A close up of various machine tool heads not currently in use by a machine.Manufacturing Day is held every year on the first Friday of October. The purpose of this national celebration is to encourage and inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Events are held across the country as manufacturers open their doors to students, parents, teachers, educational institutions, and community leaders, allowing them to get a first-hand look at what a manufacturing career entails.

By working together on this annual day of recognition, manufacturers can address the skilled labor shortage, connect with future generations and potential future employees, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the entire manufacturing industry.

How Can You Get Involved with Manufacturing Day?

There are a few different ways to get involved with Manufacturing Day. First, you can host an event! If you are a manufacturer, feel free to open your doors to students, parents, and teachers in an effort to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. By hosting an event you can showcase the diversity of manufacturing career paths to the community.

Another way to get involved in Manufacturing Day is to attend an event that is already happening. Manufacturing Day events take place across the entire country. These events take place on Manufacturing Day, which is October 4, 2019, but also throughout the rest of the month of October as well. Click here to find a Manufacturing Day event near you!

Finally, you can also get involved by sponsoring Manufacturing Day. Sponsors are one of the biggest reasons that Manufacturing Day is so successful every year. Becoming a sponsor for the initiative on a state or national level is easy. Simply click here to learn more!

Shop Floor Automations is Proud to Support Manufacturing!

At Shop Floor Automations, we are proud to support manufacturing. We know how big of an impact manufacturing has on our nation’s economy and the importance of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers to ensure the continued prosperity of the industry. We’ve been around for over years and are happy to provide services that help manufacturers improve their shop floor efficiencies, productivity, and profits.

If you need help automating your manufacturing shop floor, contact Shop Floor Automations today!

If you are a manufacturer looking for assistance with automating your shop floor equipment, Shop Floor Automations can help! Since , we’ve automated thousands of pieces of equipment. Whether you’re in need of software like CNC Editor or Scytec DataXchange or hardware like MTConnect, Shop Floor Automations can help. Let us take your shop floor to the next level so you can proudly display your modern manufacturing facility during next year’s Manufacturing Day celebration! Contact us today at (619) 461-4000 to learn more or request a quote for services.

To learn more about the software and hardware we offer to help you improve your shop floor efficiency, check us out on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

An infographic explaining how secure DNC works by blocking unauthorized access while allowing DNC data transfers to get through.Corporate internet security systems can be complex, which often makes it difficult for shop floor machines to communicate effectively. If you are looking to securely transfer files to and from your shop floor equipment through company firewalls, Predator Secure DNC is the best option.

What is Predator Secure DNC?

In short, Predator Secure DNC is essentially a tool that allows you to securely transfer files to and from CNC machines through firewalls. This is important for businesses that have strict network security that would otherwise hinder the transfer of a file. This Windows-based application is a headless Windows product that can be installed on any shop equipment.

The Benefits of Installing Predator Secure DNC

There are many benefits associated with installing Predator Secure DNC. Unlike other applications that contain restrictions, you can integrate Predator Secure DNC on any type of legacy equipment. It also boasts transparent CNC network security and can reduce the cost for upgrades that would otherwise be required with older equipment.

Another benefit of Predator Secure DNC is that it has a minimal footprint. The standardized communication protocol’s PSDNC.EXE is just 228k and only consumes 1750k of memory while it’s running. While it will create an ASC II log file for troubleshooting and one backup log file, these are capped at just 120k so they shouldn’t take up too much bandwidth.

Last but not least, Predator Secure DNC uses just a standard TCP/IP protocol and is actually included with Predator DNC and DNC Enterprise. That means there is no additional cost for the security application, aside from any minimal expenses incurred to hire a shop floor automation specialist like Shop Floor Automations to implement it.

Predator Secure DNC is Supported by Numerous Operating Systems

Predator Secure DNC is designed for Windows systems. Predator DNC v.11 supports many client operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 9, Vista, XP, ME, 98, and 95. The variety of operating system compatibility makes Predator Secure DNC a great option for those operating legacy systems and older equipment.

In addition, Predator Secure DNC also supports different server operating systems, including Windows 2016 Server, Windows 2012 Server, Windows 2008 Server, Windows 2003 Server, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows NT v4.0 Server.

Let Shop Floor Automations Bridge the Gap between Your Shop Floor and IT Department!

Many machines can be connected to a corporate network, but there are often risks associated with that. At Shop Floor Automations, we can help bridge the gap between the shop floor and your IT Department by implementing a standard across all your equipment. By installing Predator Secure DNC you can let your IT Department focus on fighting viruses and hackers instead of dealing with domains, home groups, workgroups, NETBUI, unsupported operating systems, and more.

With over years of experience working to improve shop floor efficiencies, Shop Floor Automations can implement Predator Secure DNC in a timely manner. Contact us today at (619) 461-4000 to get started!

Man working with DNC Software at his desk.Keeping your shop running efficiently and minimizing downtime is essential in today’s competitive landscape. Thankfully, DNC software allows you to link all of your CNC programs, offsets, and machine parameters on a single network. There are several options out there for DNC software, but Predator DNC far exceeds what free software alternatives are able to provide.

What is Predator DNC?

Predator DNC is paid software that allows you to link your CNCs and other shop equipment on a single network. This software package allows various methods of connection, including wireless, wired, and Ethernet, and is designed to improve your revision control and streamline the process between you and your CNC program. You will no longer be required to walk from machine to machine as everything will be linked on a single network.

What are some issues with free software that users don’t experience with Predator DNC?

If you are contemplating getting a free software alternative to Predator DNC, it is important to understand the saying “you get what you pay for” in this scenario. Predator DNC is far superior to the free alternatives out there, especially in regards to:

 

  • Support: When it comes to implementing an industrial network to connect all of your machines and equipment, questions can arise. With free software, the only place you will get any support or assistance is in forums and chatrooms. When working with Predator DNC, you will receive 24/7 customer support should any issues arise.
  • Compatibility: Another drawback that users experience with free DNC software alternatives is limited compatibility. In some instances, free software may only work with a few machines, which doesn’t provide the system-wide network that you’re looking for.
  • System Integration: When you’re working with free software, system integration can also be an issue. Free software is not always reliable and some of your machines can get left off the system. That prohibits you from maximizing shop floor efficiencies.

Contact Shop Floor Automations today if you are interested in implementing Predator DNC at your facility!

If you are interested in the benefits that Predator DNC can afford your shop, Shop Floor Automations can help. This flexible software allows interface options including wireless, wired, Ethernet and USB, which means it’s a good fit for almost any shop floor. Plus, Predator DNC allows you to network all CNCs, EDMs, robots, and PLCs with a single software. If you are looking to improve your shop floor efficiency, Predator DNC might be just the software you’re looking for.

At Shop Floor Automations, we have over years of experience with shop floor automation and machine monitoring. That means you can trust us to not only get the job done right, but to provide the necessary support afterwards. Contact Shop Floor Automations today at (619) 461-4000 to get started implementing Predator DNC in your facility!

Are you considering implementing Scytec DataXchange for machine monitoring at your facility, but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice? At Shop Floor Automations we know the different types of machine monitoring software inside and out, which means we can help you decide if Scytec DataXchange is the right fit for your facility!

How Can Scytec DataXchange Benefit Your Shop Floor?

Scytec DataXchange is a great tool for facilities that need a machine monitoring solution. Scytec DataXchange doesn’t just let you collect data, but provides data in a way that is easy to understand. By providing access to charts, timelines, and OEE summaries in a real-time dashboard, you can view everything in one place and make informed decisions.

What are the key features of Scytec DataXchange?

You know what Scytec DataXchange is, but do you know what the main features of the on-premise and cloud-based monitoring solution are? Scytec DataXchange offers a real-time overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) dashboard. This allows you to monitor your machine overrides as well as downtime, and you can do so remotely. You can also store the data on a server or in a data center, and you have access to unlimited reporting and charting. Plus, you can easily customize your dashboard to view productivity in real-time. With the flexibility to work with Windows, iOS, and Android, Scytec DataXchange might be just the monitoring solution that your facility needs.

Can Scytec DataXchange easily integrate with business systems?

Yes! Scytec DataXchange can easily integrate with all types of ERP/MRP business systems. Scytec DataXchange can integrate with any business system, utilizing RESTful API, VB Scripts, or simply reading and wring CSV files or database tables. Typical data common from systems include Job (work order) number, job status, description, scheduled start/end date, part number, make quantity, ideal times, and other related job information.

What does it cost to license Scytec DataXchange?

The good news is that there are flexible licensing options for Scytec DataXchange, and that’s for both the On-Premise and Cloud options. The on-premise version starts at $1,000 per machine up front for Bronze level and you host all the data on your server. The cloud-based solutions start at $50 a month for Bronze level features, and one-time activation fee of $1,000. Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels are more expensive, but you have more extensive features at your disposal.

How can Shop Floor Automations help you implement Scytec DataXchange?

Do you want to take advantage of all the benefits that Scytec DataXchange offers? If so, Shop Floor Automations can help! Since , we’ve been offering software and hardware solutions to improve machine monitoring and shop floor efficiency. We’ve worked with large industrial clients as well as smaller ones and there is no job too big or too small for our talented team to handle. If you’re interested in learning more about Scytec DataXchange or know that you’re ready to move forward but need help implementing it, contact us today at (619) 461-4000! We’ll be happy to put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

A shop floor employee holding a tablet that's showing Machine Monitoring results.Since , Shop Floor Automations has helped countless clients automate their shop equipment and improve their overall efficiencies. With vast expertise and hardware solutions for over 80 brands and hundreds of controllers, you can trust Shop Floor Automations with your machine automation and monitoring. Based in La Mesa, California, we have the hardware, software, and expertise necessary to help take your shop floor equipment to the next level.

Machine Monitoring Software

One of the areas that Shop Floor Automations excels in is machine monitoring software. CNC data collection and machine monitoring are essential for shops looking to gather real-time data and OEE metrics, which can then be used to improve overall shop floor efficiency. Currently, we offer DNC software for any connection type, brand, or age of CNC machine. At Shop Floor Automations, we also offer document management and revision control through production data management that adheres to all ISO standards.

Hardware to Embrace the Industrial Internet of Things

Another area where Shop Floor Automations succeeds is with hardware. By embracing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), you can connect your machines with wired or wireless hardware and integrate them with a variety of different controls. Not only can the hardware solutions at Shop Floor Automations replace your floppy disk drives, but they can also revolutionize your shop floor, increase the life of your legacy machines, and improve your shop floor network.

Popular Solutions for Your Shop Floor

While we can tackle almost any software or hardware solutions for your shop, there are a few solutions that we routinely implement. These include:

  • DNC Software: This increases CNC networking and allows for the integration of PDM and CNC revision control with other manufacturing automation software.
  • Machine Monitoring: This enables you to gather overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) data and real-time analytics.
  • CNC Machine Automation Hardware: If you want to get rid of your old floppy disks, we can add USB to CNC machines, as well as Ethernet ability.

How Can Shop Floor Automations Help You?

Are you looking to shift to lean manufacturing or production? Do you want to reduce downtime and gain more control over the machines on your shop floor? Are you interested in automating your shop equipment? If so, these are all things that Shop Floor Automations can help you with! We’ve been in business since and since then, have consistently delivered proven software solutions, automated countless manufacturing machines with quality hardware, and worked with top-tier and small companies alike on improving their overall shop floor efficiency. If you want to learn more about our capabilities and how we might help you increase efficiency and profits, contact us today at (619) 461-4000!

Visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations to learn more too!

Utilize MTConnect for Universal Factory Floor CommunicationMTConnect is a royalty-free, open factory floor communication standard that is specifically designed for the shop floor environment. This protocol enables data to transfer efficiently between devices and applications across the shop floor. Running machines, controls, software, and sensor packages with the MTConnect standard means that this data is available in XML format in a universal standard that won’t vary by manufacturer.

 

Utilizing MTConnect, you can monitor everything from machine overrides to performance in real-time. You can also use MTConnect data to view historical reports and other visual representations of your shop’s performance. However, having the latest version of MTConnect allows you to utilize the system most effectively.

What is the latest version of MTConnect?

Version 1.4.0 of the protocol was recently released and consists of 5 parts. Currently, Version 1.5.0 is in development. Note that the standard is developed by the Standards Committee. New versions of the standard must also be approved by the Standard Committee vote. If you would like to access documents, you may do so if you are an SC member.

What Controls Can Shop Floor Automations Facilitate an MTConnect Adapter for?

An MTConnect adapter is a software that essentially translates the data produced by floor equipment into a format that can be processed by the MTConnect app. These adapters are typically created by the equipment provider but can be provided and installed by Shop Floor Automations.

At Shop Floor Automations, we have been in the business since 1998. Our experience enables us to facilitate MTConnect adapters for the following controls:

 

  • MTConnect for Celos
  • MTConnect for Citizen (Adapters available for your M7/M700/M800 controls)
  • MTConnect for Doosan
  • MTConnect for Fanuc
  • MTConnect for Haas
  • MTConnect for Makino (Available on Pro5, ProF, ProP and Pro3 controllers)
  • MTConnect for Mazak (Adapters available for more than 200 of their machines)
  • MTConnect for Mitsubishi machines
  • Mori Seiki DMG/MAPPS
  • MTConnect for Okuma (OSP Control types P100 Type II, P200, P200A, P300, & P300S)
  • MTConnect for Siemens

In addition, MTConnect Adapter also comes preinstalled on DMG Mori Seiki via their standard protocol. Since 2013, all DMG / MORI SEIKI machines come with MAPPS control.

Contact Shop Floor Automations to Learn More!

If you want to learn more about MTConnect and how Shop Floor Automations can help you improve the shop floor communications and manufacturing productivity at your facility, contact us today at (619) 461-4000 or info@shopfloorautomations.com! With over years in the industry, you can always trust the experience and expertise that Shop Floor Automations brings to the table day in and day out.

A close up of a machine's tool head at work, which continues to be efficient due to proper shop floor procedures to extend its life.Manufacturing is always evolving. As a result, machinists that used to have a leg up on the competition are struggling to keep up with the diminishing skills gap that the industry is experiencing. As more CNC tools are becoming automated and demand for quality parts continues to grow, shops are putting an increased emphasis on improving productivity and efficiency. Time is money when it comes to CNC manufacturing and it is important to keep your operation running flawlessly. Keep reading for three tips for improving the efficiency and productivity of your manufacturing process.

    1. Increase the Life of the Tool

No one wants to experience downtime on the shop floor. When equipment breaks down, it means slowed or stopped productivity. When time is money, it is essential to prolong the life of a tool or piece of equipment. In order to keep your CNC machine running smoothly, there are a few ways to prolong its life:

      • Utilize a high-pressure coolant system
      • Increase the concentration of the existing coolant system
      • Frequently inspect the tool holder and inserts
      • Consider aluminum oxide coatings for your tool holder
      • Invest in a cryogenic machine
    1. Improve Overall Organization

Another way to increase efficiency and productivity is to become more organized. It might seem insignificant, but lack of organization can lead to lost money and manpower. It is essential to arrange your shop floor and workspace for maximum efficiency.

Also, when you are done with something, put it back in its specified place. That will reduce the amount of time spent scurrying around the shop floor looking for something.

In addition, you can also try organizational tactics like improving your labeling system, boosting shop cleanliness, and investing in high-quality shadow boards and tool draws.

    1. Invest in a Proper Equipment Management and Monitoring System

Last, but not least, it is also important to utilize an equipment monitoring system. While most manufacturers have a basic set up that tells them when a piece of equipment is down, it provides little information beyond that. Advanced machine monitoring software will let you know why machines are down, how long processes are taking, and other valuable information. When implementing a machine monitoring system, it is also important to make sure that they are all on one shop floor network so all of the machines can communicate efficiently. Using a protocol like, Fanuc FOCAS, OPC UA, MTConnect that standardizes communication across the floor can make this even more cost-effective.

Shop Floor Automations Can Help Improve Your Shop’s Productivity

If you are looking to implement a machine monitoring solution in your shop to increase CNC productivity and efficiency, Shop Floor Automations can help! Since , we’ve been helping manufacturers seeking to improve their shop floor processes. From providing proven software like Scytec and Predator Software and automating manufacturing machines to implementing measures to improve shop floor efficiencies, we’ve done it all. Contact us today at (619) 461-4000 to learn how we can help you improve your shop efficiency and productivity.

A smart tablet with a 3d bar graph and pie chart extending from its screen accompanied by a CNC machine and text that says "Machine Monitoring".

Manufacturing is typically a very competitive field. Competitors are looking for any means necessary to cut costs or scale up production in order to increase profits. One strategy that companies are using to improve the operations at their shop is to shift towards lean manufacturing.

What is lean manufacturing?

The theory behind lean manufacturing is pretty straight forward. You simply want to eliminate waste from the manufacturing process. The trick is identifying waste and learning how to eliminate it. In definition, waste is any activity that adds no value from the customers perspective. One example of this is keeping inventory levels as low as possible. Customers don’t actually care how much excess inventory you have, just that you’re able to deliver their specified orders on time.  

With studies showing that 60% of production activities in a typical manufacturing process are waste, it means there are plenty of opportunity areas. You just need to be able to identify them.

What are the benefits of lean manufacturing?

The reason many manufacturers are taking advantage of lean manufacturing is that there are many benefits. Lean manufacturing can improve overall efficiency, increase productivity and reduce waste. More specifically, the benefits of lean manufacturing are:

  • Increased product quality: With increased efficiency, more employees and funds are freed up for quality control and innovation measures.
  •  Sustainability: With less waste and better adaptability, lean manufacturing facilities are primed to thrive in an unpredictable future.
  • Employee Satisfaction: Employees no longer have a workday packed with unnecessary work, which boosts morale and satisfaction.
  • Faster Lead Times: Streamlined manufacturing processes means that you can respond more quickly to demand and other shifting market variables.
  • Higher Profits: If done correctly, with less waste, better quality products, and more productivity, those using lean manufacturing are likely to become more profitable.

What are some examples of waste that can be eliminated?

Removing waste is essential for lean manufacturing, but what does that actually mean? A few examples of removing waste are:

  • Matching production to the rate of customer demand
  • Create processes with continual flow instead of stoppage
  • Avoid continually changing job priorities or roles
  • Matching manufacturing specifications to customer requirements to avoid over-processing
  • Bringing in raw materials only as needed
  • Design quality control processes to detect and correct abnormalities right away
  • Going paperless  

How can Shop Floor Automations help me shift to lean manufacturing?

If you are interested in shifting towards lean manufacturing, it is important to have a knowledgeable partner like Shop Floor Automations on your side. While much of lean manufacturing centers on reducing waste, improving productivity is another important aspect. This can be done by looking at the human potential of your team. Your employees are the ones running the equipment to keep your operation running smoothly and it’s important to give them the right tools to do their job well. A machine monitoring system like Scytec DataXchange or Predator Machine Data Collection Software is great for giving your employees the information they need to maximize shop floor efficiencies. Contact Shop Floor Automatics at (619) 461-4000 to learn more!

Check Out Shop Floor Automations at the 2019 FABTECH Conference!

Founded in 1998, Shop Floor Automations has the knowledge, experience, and connections necessary to successfully automate your plant and improve your shop floor processes. With over 20 years in the business, we can offer insight on MTConnect, data-driven decision making, lean manufacturing, and other essential MFG topics. One area that we specialize in is machine monitoring using Scytec DataXchange and helping others take advantages of the benefits it provides.

Shop Floor Automations Will Be at the 2019 FABTECH Conference

If you want to see Shop Floor Automations in action, check us out at the 2019 FABTECH Conference. Held from November 11th to 14th in Chicago, the FABTECH conference is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. Every year, FABTECH brings a wealth of innovation and technology solutions where more than 48,000 attendees can view the offerings and presentations of over 1,700 exhibiting companies. Plus, admission to FABTECH is free if you register by November 82019. After that, it’s just $50, which is a small price to pay to learn from the experts in the industry.

Where can you find us at the conference?

FABTECH is held at McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. Martin Luther King drive in Chicago, IL. In McCormick Place, you can find Shop Floor Automations at Booth A5174. We will be there from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, November 11th, and from 9 am to 5 pm November 12th and 13th. On Thursday, we will be there from 9 am to 3 pm, so be sure to check us out!

What will Shop Floor Automations be demonstrating at the FABTECH Conference in Chicago?

At the 2019 FABTECH conference, Shop Floor Automations will be demonstrating one of our specialties, Scytec DataXchange Machine Monitoring. Scytec DataXchange can actually collect OEE metric data like utilization, part count times, and downtimes. In addition, it is capable of collecting data automatically from older and fabrication machines using SRC, which is our low-cost hardware module. DataXchange offers unlimited users, charts, reports, and dashboards that allow you to collect and analyze the data necessary to monitor OEE and reduce downtime. This Cloud or On-Premise analytic manufacturing machine monitoring system is what you need to help increase shop floor productivity, and Shop Floor Automations will be happy to show you how it works at FABTECH.

Interested in Learning More About Scytec DataXchange Machine Monitoring?

If you are interested in learning more about Scytec DataXchange Machine Monitoring, but cannot make it to FABTECH or you can’t wait until November for answers, feel free to contact us today at 1-877-611-5825. Our knowledgeable staff has over 20 years of experience and will be happy to discuss how Scytec DataXchange Machine Monitoring works and how it might be of use to you and your business.

For more information, check us out at Shop Floor Automation.