To help manufacturers improve the flexibility needed for more customized production, while reducing downtime and maximizing output, Rockwell Automation today announced the release of Rockwell Software AutoSuite v2.0.
The enhanced manufacturing execution system (MES) software solution includes new features to coordinate and synchronize manufacturing tasks, quality procedures, and inventory movement so manufacturers can reliably and cost-effectively respond to evolving customer demands and produce increasingly customized vehicles. AutoSuite v2.0 also captures information during vehicle production in an easy-to-understand format for regulatory, warranty, and continuous improvement analysis.
“The enhancements to AutoSuite software not only provide manufacturers with greater production flexibility, but also help them deploy automated systems more quickly,” said Keith Chambers, business director of MES Software at Rockwell Automation. “We are working to set new standards in performance, ease of use, and deployment time with each new version of AutoSuite. Version 2.0 dramatically reduces deployment time for a faster return on investment, regardless of the application.”.
The enhancements in AutoSuite v2.0 include new automotive libraries that offer users more configurable and scalable solutions, improving ease of use and deployment speed for a rapid return on investment. With the additions in this version, AutoSuite comprises seven modules, all based on the proven FactoryTalk ProductionCentre platform:
• Production Management
• Materials Management
• Quality Management
• Performance Management
• Operations Intelligence
• Energy Management
• Enterprise Systems Integration
Because AutoSuite v2.0 is scalable, even manufacturers without integrated ERP and automation systems can benefit from the core system applications, such as materials and production management. When integrated with existing enterprise and automation systems, the latest version's key enhancements help manufacturers maximize their return on investment in these systems while reducing complexity in make-to-order and component manufacturing.
Production Management – The new version of AutoSuite incorporates a standard automotive module that enables make-to-stock or make-to-order manufacturing, synchronizes assembly and sub-assembly production, and supports error-proofing operations by controlling the flow of materials from warehouses and suppliers. The module helps operations staff coordinate production processes in real time, with just-in-time and just-in-sequence transmissions to suppliers for improved production inventory management. It is fully integrated with the materials management module for managing stock levels on the production line and in the market. It also supports Lean manufacturing processes with connectivity to Andon boards, Kanban, and just-in-time processes for material replenishment.
Materials Management – This module complements the production management module, providing just-in-time support for material replenishment, as well as for multiple events across the production line and kitting areas. By coordinating the entire materials management process and providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, this module ensures material availability for the planned production sequence and reduces costly production gaps.
Enterprise System Integration – The ERP Integration Gateway application, version v3.2, within this module integrates seamlessly with the production floor and business processes. Its bidirectional interface exchanges information about order and goods movement between enterprise and planning systems and the automated production floor. An easily extensible and robust platform, the EIG v3.2 application is optimized for the needs of automotive manufacturers with complex configurable orders, large bills of materials, and specific genealogy requirements. Immediate support is optimized for SAP, but can be easily extended to file transfers, shared databases, remote procedure invocations, and messaging between other systems.
