Know-how

The acronym CAx stands for the systematic use of computer supported methods and tools in the product creation process. Consistently integrated product information that is available throughout the company as well as integrated processes are establishing themselves increasingly as critical competitive advantages. The key to success is inherent in the universal integration of all product related processes and data. Integration solutions tie software and system worlds that were previously considered autonomous into the business processes.

CAM is the acronym for Computer Aided Manufacturing or computer assisted production. In this context, the term CAM refers to the direct management of production equipment and is a significant part of computer integrated production. CAM is used primarily in manufacturing applications, for the controlling of tooling machines. Ideally, the required information for the machine controls is delivered directly by the CAD programs that handle the development. The key challenge for those working with CAM is the standardization of the interfaces between the individual systems.

The term DNC is the acronym for Distributed Numerical Control. In production technology, it refers to the embedding of computer controlled tooling machines (CNC machines) into a computer network. A DNC system is a computer network that connects and administrates multiple CNC machines. It also distributes control information in a timely manner. DNC stands for networked work sharing, whereby the program is compiled, simulated, tested and, if necessary, optimized at the work station and subsequently transferred to the CNC machine. This type of programming is continually gaining importance, especially in the production of single parts and small series, given that it allows, most importantly, the reduction of machine down times that result from programming work on the machine, so that the machines can be used more productively overall.

Document management is a term used to describe the database supported administration of electronic documents. It is a component of comprehensive enterprise content management. The purpose of using electronic document management systems is to retrieve documents more quickly and to prevent the duplication of work through the logging of editing statuses. This type of work process automation yields time and cost savings.

Information islands, isolated processes or uncoordinated procedures hamper the product creation process. Successful companies ensure that the evolution of their ideas into market ready products is a consistent process. The term product lifecycle management describes the strategic concept for the management of a product throughout its entire lifecycle. Advantages and benefits:

• Homogeneous depiction of the entire product life cycle
• Making available of the latest product data and information in real time
• Transparent and optimized product related processes
• Simplified company-wide collaboration

Production planning (also called job planning) is a term used to describe all one-time measures to be undertaken to plan a production system and the manufacturing processes that take place within its scope. The scope of responsibilities of production planning/job planning comprises work process, work location, work resources, work time, needs, job deadline and labor cost planning.

Contrary to customized software, standard software is not developed specifically for one customer or for utilization by one enterprise. The term standard software summarizes pre-manufactured program packages that support a concisely defined scope of applications and which can be acquired as a finished product. This type of software is designed for use by various companies with different organizational and process structures. Nonetheless, this software can be aligned with the individual needs of an enterprise. Given that standard software is frequently based on an open system concept, it can be connected with other systems (such as SAP) through defined interfaces.

The term technical documentation, often also called product documentation, refers to all documents that describe a technical product. The focus is on the archiving of all and in particular of the documents for a product required by law. The aim is to protect the manufacturer with regard to liability issues, to monitor the product and also to be able to track and reproduce said documentation. Technical documents cover the life phases of the product from its development to its disposal, and in some cases such documentation also covers the manufacturing of upstream products and provides information regarding technical products in electronic or printed formats. Its purpose is to make the product understandable for users and to simultaneously present the information in a useful format. Technical documentation familiarizes the reader with the product and helps users to use it successfully.

Efficient tool administration or tool management helps reduce machine down times caused by a lack of tools. The objective of tool organization is the central management of tools. By connecting the tool management to an existing ERP or PLM system, all processes and tool information can be integrated into the business processes. Advantages and benefits:

• Reduced search times
• Efficient and transparent inventory management
• Minimization of set-up times
• Increased process security
• Minimization and standardization of the type diversity