In an ever-changing manufacturing industry, three prevalent pain points among subcontract precision engineers are a lack of time, management of sales, and maintenance of steady cash flow. The latest version of PSL Datatrack production control software focusses heavily on tackling these challenges.

Utilisation of PSL Datatrack means users no longer need to calculate costs manually or consult various Excel spreadsheets or Word documents. Instead, the software generates accurate quotations aided by automatic calculations, quote templates and/or historical data. With faster and more accurate quotations, subcontractors can respond to customer enquiries quickly, reducing the time spent on administration.

The latest version of PSL Datatrack enables users to manage and report on a sales pipeline to provide a forecast for quotations that they believe will be successful. It is also possible to display this information on status boards around a factory.

PSL Datatrack helps to automate the production planning process by optimising resource allocation, prioritising works orders and creating efficient production schedules. Implementation of the system’s sequential scheduler module eliminates the need for manual planning methods, reducing the time and effort taken to create and amend production plans.

A recent sequential scheduler enhancement allows the classification of machine setters as resources, making it possible to efficiently manage the order of work through the machine shop.

PSL Datatrack also provides real-time visibility into the status of customer orders. Subcontractors can track the progress of each works order from initial confirmation to production and delivery.This development ties in with the software’s newest module, ‘Contract Review’, which ensures that all required contract review elements have been checked and approved for a specific job or project.

For further information www.psldatatrack.com

Productive Machines, a spin out from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is unveiling‘Essential Optimization’, a web application that prevents chatter vibrations and provides engineers with a simple-to-use solution to select optimum, stable spindle speeds and feed rates.

The Essential Optimization app, powered by Productive Machines’ machining dynamics algorithms, promises to turbocharge machining operations by mitigating chatter vibrations and cutting force related problems. This new capability enables manufacturers to increase productivity, reduce waste and improve surface finish. It provides a new approach to stable milling by taking into account both the machine tool dynamics and the cutting forces involved prior to manufacture. This user-friendly software-as-a-service (SaaS), assists manufacturers in making their processes hyper-efficient without the need for installed software or machining physics expertise.

“Productive Machines is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that assist engineers in reaching the best part, faster, first time,” says Dr Erdem Ozturk, CEO of Productive Machines. “Our Essential Optimization app represents a significant step forward in the quest for chatter-free machining. We are replacing trial-and-error processes with data. By combining tap testing data and innovative algorithms, we’re providing a vital easy-to-use tool for the machining industry. This capability will be a direct input to our digital twin, enabling five-axis tool-path simulation and optimisation in 2024.”

Richard Nevill, commercial director at Productive Machines, adds:“We are running a special promotion to get engineers/operators tap testing called TapStarter. Tap testing, enhanced by Productive Machines’ easy-to-use technology, brings precision and efficiency to manufacturing, enabling operators to optimise machine tool performance, reduce waste and enhance product quality.”

For further information www.productivemachines.co.uk