Driving Towards Seamless Factory Connectivity

Excellerant (Somers, CT), a division of MACDAC Engineering, provides the fundamental machine tool decoder link to simplify data-driven manufacturing at the shop floor level. It builds on MTConnect, Fanuc Focas, OPC-UA, Haas MNET Q-Codes and other machine control connecting protocols, even legacy CNC machines so that shops can link across systems while substantially expanding and customizing the information they receive. Although some control systems offer the ability to link to their same brand, manufacturers typically have a variety of different control systems and a combination of older and newer machines that require a more universal system. Excellerant can connect every CNC machine tool controller, no matter the brand, allowing shops of all sizes to monitor and manage each machine’s data in real-time and send that data to the company MES and/or ERP systems. “Even small shops can partake in the features and benefits of closed-loop automation and Industry 4.0 in an economical way,” said John Carpenter, the president of Excellerant.

Recognizing that systems are only effective when people are inclined to use them, Excellerant is designed for ease of use across work groups and operational levels. This is achieved through a simple and elegant graphical user interface, clear and logical functionality, and an array of convenient output types. For example, with a tablet interface Excellerant can monitor a CNC machine tool and a gaging device with inspection software that is running the “Blade Expert” dedicated toolpath package for turbine blade production from Catia CAD software and Mastercam CAD/CAM software. Machine operators can communicate problems, request assistance and report progress at the touch of a button. Supervisors and managers can assess cycle time, downtime and process status by job, machine type, operator, and a host of other useful dimensions.

This data control package allows shops to keep all of their current systems, including upstream programs such as ERP and MES, so that executives can run reports in real-time, with continuous and immediate feeds from machine controllers through to the ERP level for timely assessments of progress, capacity and bottlenecks. This all fuels more accurate forecasts and dynamic scheduling. The Excellerant package is currently available and consists of a software license and proven, easy-to-install hardware connecting to each machine controller.

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Excellerant MDC, 27 Quality Avenue, Somers, CT 06071, 860-749-5544, rickl@macdac.com, www.excellerant-mfg.com.