Integrated CAD/CAM Design and Manufacturing Execution Solution
By enabling its Radan CAD/CAM design software to connect seamlessly with the 2021 release of Workplan MES software, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence is enabling sheet metal fabricators to establish a complete digital thread from start to finish.
Posted: July 8, 2020
More and more manufacturers want real-time views of their workload, business profitability analysis, and full inventory control connected to their accounting system. By integrating its Radan CAD/CAM design software for sheet metal bending, cutting, profiling, and punching with the latest version of Workplan manufacturing executive software (MES), Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (North Kingstown, RI) has been able to mix a single database with multiple business requirements, such as tools, sheet metal, prototyping, and mechanics.
“Our objective is no longer just to propose a production-management solution, but to implement the solution dedicated to our customers’ needs, connected to their CAD/CAM tools,” says Product Manager Christophe Mas.
Radan’s quoting module, Radquote, now updates projects using referenced components in a bill of material, optimizing the price for a project. Users can mix Workplan base items and new parts requiring a specific calculation in Radquote on the same quote lines. Material prices are automatically updated between the two solutions, and the system can generate a request for a quote through the sheet estimation based on Radan’s nesting engine.
Enhancements to the activity basket, which was launched in Workplan 2020.0, make it possible to automatically create all baskets for the same project with a few clicks or from a nest with a simple drag-and-drop. Additionally, activity baskets can be controlled via the barcode system with specific manufacturing ranges or via touchscreens. This facilitates time tracking; promotes shop automation and flexibility; and simplifies management of assembly activities, heat treatment, and finishing operations.
A new set of measures guarantees maximum protection for storing both customer and employee data. Best-practice guidelines have been implemented related to the fundamental rights of general data protection regulation (GDPR), such as consent management, right to be forgotten, right to change, and data portability.
In conclusion, MAS says, Workplan continues to integrate into all Hexagon solutions, with more and more projects in preparation, to be an increasingly essential part of the full digital chain.
