Relevance of Tool Management
In production, many tools are involved, including lathes, drilling machines, cutting tools, and planers. How these tools are picked up and used for each step during production is becoming more important than ever. For example, cutting tools need to be on the right machine at the right time for the process to run smoothly and efficiently. If not, the industrial worker will waste valuable time searching for the right tool whenever needed. Tool data management aims to solve that challenge and make production faster and more efficient.
What is tool data management?
Many software programs are available today to streamline production. Tool data management (TDM) is a software solution that organizes and integrates tool data in every phase of the production process. They determine which tool is required at each stage and, therefore, what tools should be present on the shop floor at every instance. In addition, TDM gives insight into the current condition and location of the tools.
They do so by recording the master data in a central database. Such data will include 2D and 3D drawings for CAM and simulation systems.
Who benefits from tool data management?
Tool management is not a matter of size; any production company can leverage this solution to streamline its machining process. It brings further digitalization to their workflow, regardless of whether there are just a few machines or networked plants around the world.
So whether you are a small business, a mid-sized company, or an international corporation, you are ripe for tool data management. You can vastly improve your machining productivity by using the technology of the future today.
Benefits of tool data management
For faster machining, greater efficiency, and a smarter machine shop, think of tool management.
1. Higher productivity
You become more productive when the right tool is on the right machine at the right time. Less time wasted sorting out tools; more time to do productive work.
2. Greater transparency
TDM software solutions give you real-time information about your tools, so you know when maintenance is required.
3. Cost savings
If you manage tools consistently and have insights into their condition in real-time, you can significantly minimize downtime due to tool breakdowns or sudden inventory shortages. Downtimes cost money, and repairs/replacements are far more expensive than proactive maintenance.
4. Shorter planning time
TDM systems offer tool data and graphics deployable in any CAM system. This ensures that simulation analyses are accurate, making production planning much faster.
Solutions built into tool management
There are various software solutions built into the parent TDM system:
Production equipment management
This tool management solution involves tool organization in all phases of planning and production, making it easy to determine and buy the required tools.
Shopfloor management
Digital shopfloor management provides machines with the right tools and data they need at a time. This software schedules and prepares tool assembly calculates tool usage and creates a list of required tools.
Data and graphics generation
With powerful 3D-tool generators like 3D-Designer and 2D/3D-Editor, TDM systems enable you to create data and graphics.
The tool data management interface ensures data flows efficiently, enabling optimal processes at all times. TDM guarantees that every tool data you need will find its way to the machine at the right time.