This article presents an example of the equipment management software from MySolutions, which can be integrated into networked and automated processes together with tool presetters and precision tools from Kelch, for example. Other tool management software systems may differ from this on a case-by-case basis.

Tool warehouses without a systematic connection to ERP systems are still part of everyday life in many manufacturing and production companies. Under the auspices of Industry 4.0 and the automation processes based on it, however, this is increasingly proving to be a problem. Manual inventory management is not only prone to errors, but also generates unnecessary personnel costs. Even if a production facility has CAM systems and individual tool management systems, there is often a lack of networking. With the MyXPert ToolManager software from MySolutions, all required operating resources and tools can be managed digitally, providing a reliable basis for resource planning in lean production.

Seamless integration of third-party systems

The database modules can be expanded and integrated using the MyXPert framework, depending on the type of application. The framework enables the seamless integration of third-party systems such as CNC machines, manual and automated storage systems and others. The principle: existing processes are optimized and not redesigned. In combination with the appropriate terminal as a flexible and modular store floor management system, production employees can call up all production-relevant information on operating resources such as articles, tools, devices, measuring and testing equipment and others directly at the machine on a central user interface. It is also possible to visualize data and information and send it directly back to third-party systems if required. In this way, the entire use of resources in the production process, including tooling and tool preparation, can be optimized.

The digital management and setting of tools is an important step on the way to networked production. © Goblet

When Kelch tool presetters and precision tools are used simultaneously with the tool management software from MySolutions, the core competencies of the cooperation partners are clearly organized. Like all presetters in the Industrial and Premium Line from Kelch, the Kenova set line V3 and the set line V9-S can be fully integrated into automation processes in terms of hardware and software.

Automation including robotics

Presentations by Kelch, MySolutions and Bachmann Engineering at the last AMB showed how tool management and tool measurement can be successfully automated. The cooperation partners combined the Kenova set line V3 CNC and V956-S tool presetters with the MyXPert ToolManager to control the entire tool presetting process including robots - via the MyXPert ShopFloor app on a touch tablet and with all common operating systems. The UR10e Cobot from Bachmann Engineering supports the tool measuring process with automatic loading and unloading sequences - either via tablet control or optical recognition.

To do this, the 2D.ID code on the tools is scanned and the measurement specifications are transferred to the system. The measurement results obtained are saved. At the same time, the MyXPert ToolManager reliably monitors the tracking data. The modular concept The Box from MySolutions offers an innovative addition for automated warehouse management: the vertical storage system is designed for the weight-independent storage of small and medium-sized items and optimizes the use of floor space in the storage area.

First customer projects

The combined solution has already been successfully tested in customer projects. The first interested parties come from lean production with many set-up processes in series production as well as from medical technology, where strict FDA quality specifications apply, including in the area of high tool usage. The close collaboration between the cooperation partners ensures a very deep integration of the tool database and the software of the tool presetters. This means that companies benefit from the direct integration of the required modules and thus from a standardized data structure and user interface. According to the companies, further developments are already in preparation and will supplement the portfolio with additional quality assurance tools.