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DNC Networking Software for CNC Communication to Machines

DNC software for CNC communication


Shop Floor Automations has been providing DNC software to communicate to CNC machines since 1998. We provide two leading software product lines: Predator Software and Ascendant Technologies.

Most companies have methods to deliver files to machines, but are limited to using floppy disks, USB sticks, PCMCIA cards, and tape readers—or even manual typing. Theses methods use several hours to load programs, but offer no revision control, management of proven or released files, or traceability.

With our solutions, we can implement a product that improves productivity and tracks every upload, download or drip-feed to the CNC, while decreasing the time it takes to load programs. Every minute on the shop floor counts, and if we can save you 5 minutes a day, your new system could be paid for in months.

We offer wired and wireless solutions, personalized to meet your specific needs. Want to learn more? Visit us at shopfloorautomations.com or call us at 877-611-5825. More info on our DNC Solutions:

Manage your CNC programs, machine parameters, & offsets. Enjoy a wide range of CNC communication options from your Predator PCs for drip-feeding, downloading, & bi-directional communication. Upload via parallel, RS232, RS422 Ethernet, & wireless Ethernet for thousands of CNC machines. With Microsoft Office  & Windows Explorer-compatible user interface (Windows 10 O/S supported), use familiar features for drag & drop, cut, copy, paste, shortcut menus, object-based menus, toolbars, tool tips, & available online help.

Improve CNC revision control while using existing ERP & MES bar-coded paperwork. Eliminate time wasted walking back & forth between your CNC & PC with a Remote Request function. Consider a 32-Bit, Multi-thread, Multi-tasking, Open-Architecture DNC Software solution that works wired & wirelessly.

Simplify operations with one network for all of your CNC machines, Robots, PLCs, & part makers, grouped by building or cell.

We offer the following DNC Communication solutions: Predator DNC, Ascendant extremeDNC, Predator TouchHMI, and Predator EditLock. We also have many pieces of hardware to help your shop floor achieve wireless DNC.

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DNC Manufacturing: Automate your CNC with DNC software

DNC Manufacturing: Automate CNC machines with DNC software

View this brief video for more information on how we can help automate your CNC machine.

Via our Software solutions page:

Shop Floor Automations (SFA) uses the top software brands in the manufacturing industry to provide and support the best solutions for our customers. They can make your machine shop more efficient using machine monitoring, job scheduling, DNC, document control, CNC editing, and more.

SFA is committed to addressing manufacturing automation needs of customers with individualized solutions. By offering an extensive collection of software and hardware products, they scale automation solutions to customers of any size and range. SFA’s goal is to build lasting partnerships with customers by understanding their specific manufacturing & production needs.

Ascendant Technologies – Manufacturing industry software applications

  • eXtremeDNC: Drip-feeding & bi-directional communication with over 1000 CNCs.
  • XYZPRO 32 Plus: User friendly G-Code editing & backplotting.

Predator Software – Automate, network, monitor & control your machine shop

  • CNC Editor: Shop floor editing, tracking & control.
  • DNC: Shop floor connectivity, controls & communication.
  • MDC:  Data collection of shop floor productivity metrics to improve operations & decisions.
  • PDM: SFA helps coordinate & control shop documents plus revisions.
  • Tracker: Help for shop floor editing, tracking & control.

Scytec – Data collection to get the most of your machines

  • DataXchange: Tools to measure, analyze & improve your shop floor.

 

 

MTConnect – SFA utilizes this universal factory floor communication standard to enable the efficient transfer of data between devices & software applications. More info here

A desktop computer helps automate the CNC process by running machine monitoring software .

Call (877) 611-5825 for more information

 

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CMMS from Production Machining Magazine

DataXchange Smartware CMMSProduction Machining Magazine

There is a good article about CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) from Bigfoot CMMS in the April 2014 edition of Production Machining. Shop Floor Automations provides an excellent solution for those needs.

Automation is what is propelling manufacturing today, and I’m not only talking about machine tool automation. Automation can and does occur in the office as well with the implementation of shop management software and tool data management software.

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is one example of a tool that automates preventive maintenance schedules on shop equipment. This system can improve the bottom line through increased labor efficiency, enhanced asset effectiveness, certification assistance with government agencies and certifying organizations, liability protection and more.

A CMMS monitors pressure, temperature, voltage and hours run and help operators communicate when maintenance should be completed. It can also track equipment history and grade performance over time. The software can reduce equipment downtime, minimize equipment and cost repairs, maximize equipment reliability and increase efficiency.

Read “Investing in a Computerized Maintenance Management System” for more information about the CMMS.

Other options for shop management software include scheduling software such as the one in described in “Profiting with Shop Management Software” and modular tool data management software  that allows users to take tool data anywhere that it is needed, from purchasing to design and engineering to CAD/CAM to the tool crib and assembly, all in one database. Read more in “Integrated Tool Management with CAD/CAM Connection.”

Get more info or check out the full article in Production Machining

 

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Using Software to Support Your Automation Agenda

MoldMaking Technology magazine

We had an extensive article posted in MoldMaking Technology magazine. Learn how to increase the productivity of your shop. Check out the article.

A shop floor focuses on several aspects of automation when working with CNC machines, and software is one tool that can help manage the automation process. When investing in software, consider the entire problem you are attempting to solve.

A key factor in your software purchase should be integration. Many software vendors provide only one piece of a software solution, which makes it difficult to integrate with other software programs being used by the shop. By being able to purchase only what you need or what you are ready to integrate from a single provider, you gain tools that work together as a seamless package.

Scheduling also plays a critical role in optimizing automation. Job scheduling software should deliver and communicate in real time the orders that need to be manufactured, as well as track labor, material, and delays. Whiteboards and spreadsheets do not provide real-time data, so look for a solution that utilizes what-if scenarios, is designed for ease of use and receives buy-in from the operators using the product. Read more below.

Read more

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!

 

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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!

 

 

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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.