New video series called Automation Insights

Automation Insights

We are happy to announce the Shop Floor Automations Insights series, featuring our President Greg Mercurio and other employees. This new series will provide useful information on shop floor concerns.

The videos will help you see that upgrading your shop is as simple as adding hardware and software, instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on new machinery.

We also invite you to interact with SFA on social media. We are located on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, plus more! Find our social media pages, watch the premiere of Automations Insights below, and check out our helpful YouTube transcriptions. They are especially helpful for technical aspects.

We would also love it if you subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can do so by visiting our main channel and then clicking the red “subscribe” button.

We aim to have new content every month for our customers, current and future.

Thanks for visiting the site, and we hope you enjoy our videos!

 

Please contact us for more video ideas at info@shopfloorautomations.com

If you want to leave a less than perfect review, we encourage you to reach out to us first. Please call (877) 611-5825 or contact us via this form. We would love the opportunity to fix the situation.

 

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SFA in February 2014 Manufacturing News

February 2014 Manufacturing News

Read our article about DNC in this month’s Manufacturing News issue, “SFA + Predator DNC Software For Windows”

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterShop Floor Automations (SFA), a provider of software for the manufacturing shop floor, installed Predator’s version 9.0.16 through the end of 2013 while beta testing version 10.0 of Predator DNC Software and Editor.

Version 9.0 has been installed at hundreds of different sites. The main benefit is its compatibility with Windows 7 and Windows 2008/2012 server, including both 32- and 64-bit Operating systems.

“The DNC is easily migrated from previous versions running under Windows XP to the latest Predator DNC with our migration tools and hardware program,” said SFA President Greg Mercurio. “Customers have used the same solution for years from us and if it works, they do not want to change anything unless needed. Because of the end to Microsoft’s support for Windows XP, we have created a program to assist customers in keeping their machines up and running without interrupting production.”

SFA can provide end users with new hardware to integrate their existing wired system into wireless 802.11 B/G or embrace Ethernet technology on the shop floor. The use of RS232 serial ports is being phased out and networking CNC machines is becoming more prevalent. Predator Software includes functionality to communicate via FTP or Windows Share, and supports the use of the FANUC FOCAS to simplify file transfers. RS232 standard protocol is also included to support the hundreds of legacy CNC controllers with enhanced file management tools to automate the download and upload process.

Read the whole piece here! You may also call SFA and ask us about more Predator Software solutions at (877) 611-5825.

The different Predator solutions we are offer: DNC. Touch HMI, EditLock, MDC, CNC Editor, CNC Editor Express, CNC Editor Light, PDM, and Tracker. We have been the number one reseller of Predator Software since 1999 and continue to customize this solution to fit customer needs. Ask about demos and free trials!

 

January/February 2014 Shop Floor Automations Newsletter

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterThe following is an archived copy of the Shop Floor Automations Newsletter from January/February of 2014.

Windows XP support is ending

Do you still have computers running XP in your shop? Microsoft is discontinuing support as of April 2014. You don’t want your shop to be running on a system that has no support. We can help you transition and upgrade over to Windows 7. Our team has the expertise to provide a complete, reliable hardware and software solution to keep your CNC machines up and running. Contact us today!

Facebook posts contest for our customers

Amy Gates, our Senior Account Executive, is taking over the daily responsibilities of our Facebook page and updating it regularly. We have noticed people enjoy seeing stories and pictures about our customers – especially in their facilities.  So we started a contest. Get a chance to win a $50 gift card! Post your picture or video to our wall. Ideally, it is of you using or talking about our services or products. Each quarter this year we will choose a winner. You must “like” us to be eligible to win.

Be sure to like our page https://www.facebook.com/shopfloorautomations

Educational videos coming your way via “Automation Insights”

Our President, Greg Mercurio, has begun a new campaign for 2014: educational videos on YouTube! View his message on this year’s campaign.

Feel free to suggest topics you would like to hear about in the future.

Workshops for Warriors Visit 

Last summer, we reached out to our community and found an opportunity to help promote San Diego veterans at a vocational training center called Workshop for Warriors. This site is a safe environment at which veterans receive vocational training, work experience, and job placements, and also have careers in manufacturing. We donated our time to help network a few of their CNC machines and serve as a resource for veterans who wanted to learn more about automation.

Control your file edits with Editlock

Looking for a way to control NC program edits on the shop floor? The Predator EditLock System enables the “hardware” EditLock key switch on the machine tool to be managed using Predator DNC or Predator PDM software. The EditLock System works with any CNC control that has “EditLock” or “Memory Protect” key switch. It simply installs in the machine CNC cabinet on a DIN rail and can be externally powered via the 110vAC power supply, or directly powered via an internal 24vDC power source inside the machine cabinet.

The solution requires a simple dedicated serial connection to enable the lock to control when to “enable” the download into the machine. It works wireless or wired using Predator software. If there’s ever a need to override the functionality, there’s a disconnect toggle switch that maintenance uses. Learn more

Toll Free: (877) 611-5825
www.shopfloorautomations.com
Email: sales@shopfloorautomations.com

Link to newsletter

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Happy New Year! Have a great 2014

Shop Floor Automations 2014

Happy New Year! We hope 2014 turns out to be a great year for you.

A large number of our existing customers have started to expand with more machines and a look toward automation. We added more machines than previously to our machine monitoring software and see a great improvement in productivity and a reduction of downtime.

Because we’ve been so busy, we wanted to make sure you are informed of some of the other solutions in Predator’s new EditLock feature, used with Predator Product Data Management (Document Control) and Predator DNC networking along with JobPack’s scheduling software.

Discover how we can save you more time and money by expanding your existing system today. Call (877) 611-5825 or contact us on social media!

More about Shop Floor Automations:

Founded back in 1998, Shop Floor Automations, Inc. (SFA) started as a small company focused on distributing the Predator Software product line to the San Diego and Los Angeles markets of California.  Within 6 months, the company expanded to cover the entire West Coast as a reseller with the goal to be the #1 reseller in a year.

The goal was met in 1999 when SFA was awarded the status of largest distributor of Predator Software in North America. SFA has been ranked #1 in Predator Software Sales, Service and Support for many years.

The founders of SFA have many years of experience providing effective solutions to manufacturers large and small from coast to coast. Their expertise in designing and implementing DNC and Shop Floor Networks allows them to take the best hardware and software products to the next level. That level is a fully implemented, turnkey solution tailored specifically for a customer’s requirements and environments.

Shop Floor Automations is appropriately positioned to provide our customers with a complete technology environment. Customers are not looking for products so much as they are seeking solutions to their business problems. Our total solution approach for manufacturing customers provides hardware and software packages, installation and support services, and expert consultation where required. Our principal goal is to help customers save time and make money.

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Manufacturing Engineering – Real-Time Manufacturing Data – November 2013

Greg Mercurio in Manufacturing Engineering

President of SFA, Greg Mercurio, is featured in the Manufacturing Engineering November 2013 issue. In the interview, he talks about real-time data and machine monitoring for the shop floor.

“One of the challenges we face every day is trying to educate the manufacturing industry on how critical this data is,” Greg is quoted. “It’s at our fingertips and it’s not being utilized because a lot of manufacturers think it’s too complicated or it’s cost-prohibitive.” 

“Technologies including wireless, bar code readers, touch screens, and tablets have started to drive implementation prices down,” Greg says. “The reality is most shops run only at about 60 percent to 65 percent machine utilization.”

Read the entire piece! Call 877-611-5825 – we invite you to be surprised just how affordable and easy these solutions are!

More about data monitoring (AKA machine data collection and machine monitoring):

Improve manufacturing by supplying accurate shop floor productivity metrics to improve operations & make better decisions. Enjoy automatic, error-free, & unattended machine monitoring for events such as job start/end, setup start/end, log on/off, cycle start/end, & more. Data collected includes cycle time, idle time, setup time, teardown time, machine downtime, & scrap reasons.

Drive improvements based on real-time data. In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, it is more important than ever to be as efficient as possible. Increase machine up-time & drive innovation on your shop floor. What is the overall equipment effectiveness formula? Ask us!

 

 

October 2013 SFA Newsletter

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter

The following is an archived copy of the October 2013 Shop Floor Automations Newsletter.

Loading Offsets 

Many of our customers are faced with streamlining the process
of loading the NC program along with various other files.
Loading tool offsets are common on the shop floor but are typically a manual process.

By using a DNC system, the operator can request the NC program for the desired part
while the software automates the process in the background to look for the NC program
as well as the associated tool offsets.

If the tool offset file is located, it will queue the file and load the correct file
immediately after the NC program is loaded.  This allows the operator
to simplify the task and save time.

CNC Controller with Limited Memory

Limited to the CNC controller memory in your machine?

While some CNCs are arriving on the shop floor with hard drives and
Ethernet connectivity, most older machines are still in production
where programming departments are forced to break up NC programs or
streamline the program to fit into the controller.

There are several options to bypass these limitations and other
programming challenges by automating the process.  Expand the memory using
Behind the Tape Readers, use a tape mode or DNC function on the control
to drip-feed, or implement sub-programs and load them on the fly
from the PC hard drive to reduce the size of the program on the CNC controller.

Predator New CNC Service 

Predator CNC Service is a Windows service designed to monitor Ethernet-based CNCs machines,
Robots and PLCs.  The service now includes support for MTConnect, Fanuc Focas,
OPC and Structured Data type equipment. Various parameters such a CNC mode,
cycle counters, variables, feeds and speeds for all make and models of Okuma Mills
and Lathes with P300, P200 and P100 CNCs can be captured in real-time.

Improve your schedule accuracy and reduce costs using a real-time,
finite production scheduler that maximizes the use of your resources
and meets your delivery promises. Plan, schedule and manage with
one production management software solution.

Customer Success Stories

We would like to have your feedback of how we were able to help
improve your shop floor with our solutions.
Your story may be featured in leading trade magazines or online
website and can include a little background on your company to share.

Celebrating 15 Years

Shop Floor Automations is celebrating our 15th year in business
providing the best in software, hardware and integration services.

We are the premier service and support center for customers
throughout USA for a variety of Software and Hardware brands. This
includes being the #1 distributor for Predator Software and
recognized as “Dealer of the Year” for 10 years running.

Let us analyze your shop for free and provide you with the best solutions to suit your needs!

* DNC Networking
* Machine Monitoring
* Job Scheduling / Capacity Planning
* Document Control / Paperless
* CNC Editing / File Compare
* USB Solutions / Mobile / PDAs
* Wireless /  Wired Serial Hubs

Technical Note:

Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft in April, 2014.

In order to maintain support for your computer systems from
Microsoft, you will have to upgrade from Windows XP.

Contact us in advance so we can help walk you through this process.
(877) 611-5825 Toll Free
California: (619) 461-4000

More info about SFA here

Link to original newsletter HERE 

September 2013 SFA Newsletter

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterThis is an archived copy of our September 2013 SFA Newsletter:

Add USB to your CNC Machine with Ease!

The USB Connect device acts as an interface between commercially
available USB flash memory and any CNC control with an available
RS232 port.

Machine tool files can be sent from CNC memory to the USB key, USB
key to CNC memory or drip fed (DNC) from the USB key. Flexible DNC
firmware is built into the USB Connect unit allowing connection to
just about any machine tool CNC control.

The USB Connect is available as a pendant or portable model, and supports the Mazak CMT format.

Updating Your CNC Communication System

Is your DNC System outdated, problematic and/or no longer supported
on Windows NT, 2000 or the serial hardware manufacturer’s warranty expired?

Most DNC systems are still in place from 5+ years ago and Microsoft
announced Windows XP will no longer be supported in April 2014. In
order to maintain support from Microsoft, companies will have to
upgrade from Windows XP.

Now you can swap out your communication system with a new wired
Ethernet or wireless solution. Contact us about upgrade specials for
any DNC product as a competitive upgrade saving over 25% on systems.

Our DNC Solutions are compatible with versions of Windows Operating
Systems including:
Windows 7, Vista, 2003 Server and 2008R2 Server, 32bit or 64bit

Monitor Your CNCs On Your Mobile Device

Are you wondering what’s happening on the factory floor when you

leave the office or are attending meetings offsite?

From most devices connected to the web (such as the Apple iPhone, iPad,

iPad Mini, Android tablet or phone) you can monitor your equipment

in real-time and be notified via text or email of escalation activities.

Connect any brand, age, or type of equipment using our Static Relay Controller,

MT Connect, Fanuc Focus or Macro B / User TaskProgramming.

Let our sales team help you increase your productivity by 10% or more

with our low-cost Machine Monitoring Solutions.

Celebrating 15 Years

Shop Floor Automations is celebrating our 15th year in business
providing the best in software, hardware and integration services.
We are the premier service and support center for customers
throughout USA for a variety of Software and Hardware brands. This
includes being the #1 distributor for Predator Software and
recognized as “Dealer of the Year” for 10 years running.

Let us analyze your shop for free and provide you with the best
solutions to suit your needs!

* DNC Networking
* Machine Monitoring
* Job Scheduling / Capacity Planning
* Document Control / Paperless
* CNC Editing / File Compare
* USB Solutions / Mobile / PDAs
* Wireless /  Wired Serial Hubs

SFA is Hiring 

We are looking for a qualified Field Technician in the Houston or Dallas area.

Do you or someone you know have the right skills to join SFA?

You can earn a $250 referral reward if we hire your recommendation.

Offer expires once the position is filled.

Technical Note: Predator Software is supported in a virtual environment

such as VMware or Hyper-V.  Reduce your server overhead and costs by contacting us for details.

Predator New Releases:

MDC v10.1
PDM v10.2
FLM v10.0
RCM v10.3
Tracker v10.1
Virtual CNC 10.1

(877) 611-5825 Toll Free
California: (619) 461-4000

Original newsletter link HERE

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Production Machining – August 2013

Production Machining – August 2013

Check out the latest Shop Floor Automations ad in Production Machining’s August 2013 issue! Our mobile solutions are featured in it. Check out the ad

More about Shop Floor Automations:

Founded back in 1998, Shop Floor Automations, Inc. (SFA) started as a small company focused on distributing the Predator Software product line to the San Diego and Los Angeles markets of California.  Within 6 months, the company expanded to cover the entire West Coast as a reseller with the goal to be the #1 reseller in a year.

The goal was met in 1999 when SFA was awarded the status of the largest distributor of Predator Software in North America. SFA has been ranked #1 in Predator Software Sales, Service and Support for the past 15 years running.

SFA has become the industry leader in Shop Floor Communications and Machine Monitoring Solutions. Totally redefining what “Shop Floor Automation” solutions should be.  With thousands of customers from across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia, SFA was called upon by other vendors to provide other solutions that could be met by our knowledge, support and sales experience of the manufacturing industry.  In 2010, SFA aligned itself with these vendors to close the loop with maintenance management software, job management and scheduling software, hardware manufacturers, and machine tool companies.

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Modern Machine Shop – June 2013

A banner with several lines of text: "Machine Monitoring and Data Collection. Do you know your machine efficiency? Automation data collection, real time dashboards, reports and charts, OEE." On the left there is a CNC machine with a magnifying glass that has the text: "Cycle status, reason codes, downtime".Machine Monitoring and Data Collection ad

Check out our latest Machine Monitoring and Data Collection ad in Modern Machine Shop, June 2013.  View the ad here!

More about Machine Monitoring solutions through SFA:

Machine Monitoring gives you the ability to see what your machines are doing in real-time. Collect & process data from your machines using software like MTConnect, Fanuc FOCAS, custom macros, or hardware devices. Optional data collection terminals can be used for additional operator input. Run time, downtime, & OEE data is then presented via dashboards, historical reports, & charts.  Emails or text messages can be sent to notify you of production issues on the shop floor.

Improve manufacturing by supplying accurate shop floor productivity metrics to improve operations & make better decisions. Enjoy automatic, error-free, & unattended machine monitoring for events such as job start/end, setup start/end, log on/off, cycle start/end, & more. Data collected includes cycle time, idle time, setup time, teardown time, machine downtime, & scrap reasons.

In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, it is more important than ever to be as efficient as possible. Increase machine up-time & drive innovation on your shop floor.

A good pairing for Machine Monitoring is MTConnect.

MTConnect is an open, royalty-free, universal factory floor communication standard that is designed specifically for the shop floor environment to enable the efficient transfer of data between devices (such as CNCs) & software applications similar to Predator MDC & Scytec DataXchange. Some users have referenced this as the “Bluetooth” technology we currently experience with our smartphones & daily electronic devices. By establishing an open & extensible channel of communication for plug-and-play interconnectivity between devices, equipment, & systems, MTConnect allows sources to exchange & understand each other’s data.  It’s like speaking a common language!

If you want propriety software & solutions, MTConnect is not for you! This new standard will bridge your factory shop floor & link you to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).  Think of the equipment on your shop floor now that has limits on how they connect, can they connect, can you get real-time data from them, & what if you could make them all speak to eachother?  While some equipment would be limited on what can come from it, the information can quickly be displayed on dashboards, smart phones, ERP/MRP systems, & other equipment.

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Manufacturing News June 2013

Check out our ad on Plant Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) from Bigfoot in the June 2013 issue of Manufacturing News! See our ad!

More about our Plant Maintenance options:

What is CMMS Software? Otherwise known as a “computerized maintenance management system”, a CMMS is a system used by maintenance departments to keep track of preventive & predictive maintenance-related tasks & asset history. Schedule PM’s, track repair costs, assign work orders, manage purchasing/inventory, & run trend analysis reports.  In addition, you can manage spare parts inventories, track safety events, & manage OSHA required documents. Read more below.

Read more