Productivity & Training Software

By Plant Engineering Staff November 1, 2008

Enhanced design software

LabVIEW 8.6 graphical design software offers engineers the ability to design advanced control systems using field-programmable gate array-based programmable automation controllers. The software simplifies programming of the NI CompactRIO control and acquisition system and condenses the development of complex measurement and control applications. It also introduces additional control logic tools by providing function blocks based on the IEC 61131-3 standard.

National Instruments Corp. : www.ni.com

ERP, MES software package

The DataNet Enterprise software package securely monitors and enterprise and manages data via the Internet or company intranet. The software provides ERP and MES functionality to collect and share process data. Features include the ability to view live process data via OPC; log data to multiple databases; create a Web interface to read/write to a database; pull data from multiple sources; create custom reports and graphics; launch automatic e-mail reports and/or trigger e-mail alarms; and control page access through group-based security.

BizWare Direct Inc. : www.bizwaredirect.com

Test for CNC operators

CNC Operator is a 100-item multiple-choice test designed for use to help evaluate candidates for CNC operator positions. Online access offers ease of administration and scoring to measure CNC knowledge and skills. The test covers general knowledge, coordinate systems, interpolation, program structure, tool compensation, M-Codes and operations. The test is intended for use with candidates for jobs where knowledge and skill in the area of CNC operation is a necessary part of job activities.

Ramsay Corp. : www.ramsaycorp.com

Belt, chain drive training

Catering to industrial manufacturing workers, the Belt and Chain Drives computer-based technical training course teaches engineering concepts and offers best maintenance practices to maximize operating time for various drive systems. Topics include: how to measure sheave wear and determine proper belt tension, dismantle and inspect a gear reducer and properly size both belt and chain drives. Features include interactive animations, narration, interactive exercises and pop-up definitions.

New Standard Institute Inc. : www.newstandardinstitute.com

Electrical CAD software

promis•e control system design software allows users to generate electrical schematics, single line drawings and panel layouts for industrial applications with the aid of automatic functions, including ID assignment, cross-referencing, wire numbering and error checking. A parts database and report functions allow the software to automatically generate bills of material, interconnect lists, cable plans and terminal strip layouts. The software runs on top of AutoCAD or MicroStation.

Bentley Systems Inc. : www.bentley.com

Inventory tracking and tracing software

POMStrace software is designed to reduce the effort to maintain and track inventory records for supplies used in clinical trials. The software provides up-to-date information on supply levels, including patient distribution. It also can reduce potential risks to patients in case of a cancelled or recalled trial by blocking dispensing, and providing immediate access to logistical information. The system produces a traceability record of each patient kit and provides complete accounting for all materials.

Honeywell Process Solutions : www.honeywell.com/ps

Quality, risk management software

Stature 3.5.5 quality and risk management software is a Web-based enterprise risk management platform. The software’s dynamic manufacturing data model allows, with simple end-user configurations, the migration of hundreds of Excel spreadsheets that manage critical plant quality planning data to a single enterprise data model. Centralizing this data in a shared workspace reduces redundant information, ensures cross-functional collaboration and enables continuous improvement through end-to-end management of the manufacturing quality lifecycle.

Dyadem : www.dyadem.com

Leadership skills training

The Leading People leadership skills development course features tools and methods to help managers achieve results through leading self and others. Designed for supervisors, managers and informal team leaders, the five-day course teaches how to build trust, motivate action to achieve results, resolve conflict, plan effective meetings, communicate persuasively and deliver successful presentations. It’s delivered in an active training environment with adult learning-focused facilitators.

Life Cycle Engineering, Life Cycle Institute Div. : www.lce.com

CAD, PDF file-sharing software

Acrobat 9 Pro Extended helps manufacturing professionals communicate using the PDF electronic document exchange format. Users can create and share PDF documents and forms, protect and control sensitive information and safeguard their work. Users can merge heterogeneous CAD formats into one assembly; measure and section on precise geometry; compare initial and revised designs and create exploded views, animations and balloons; distribute 3-D designs containing PMI; and export CAD data to neutral file formats such as STEP, IGES or STL.

Adobe Systems Inc. : www.adobe.com

Real-time productivity software

TrakSYS 6.0 is service-oriented architecture application software designed to improve manufacturing productivity through delivery of accurate, timely and actionable information across the enterprise — in real-time. The software analyzes the impact of various execution factors across the value chain on topics such as resources, product quality, yield, schedule compliance, goal attainment and cost. This allows stakeholders to make fact-based decisions without disrupting operations. Pertinent data can be collected from disparate sources without modifying data generating systems.

Parsec Automation Corp. : www.parsec-corp.com