Stepping into tech. #5G

Our project is well under way and equipment for all 3 use cases has now been installed.

Our facility is looking a little different now, as the hardware has been put into place. 5G dots (routers) are now in the ceiling in 4 places and screens for Shop Floor Data Capture (SFDC) have also been installed on 5 of our Machines.

We have collaborated with Fitfactory Technology to update our current ERP system and develop software that allows us to streamline our planning and production processes.

This was followed by a visit from Fitfactory Technology who gave our team their initial training on how to use the new features we developed together on their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Their software will help us ensure the right data is shared with the right people at the right time. Once a job comes into the factory, it is planned into the ERP. From this point, the production process is automatically scheduled, utilising each available machine and component required in the process. The ERP collects and analyses all available data in real-time, sending alerts as it progresses through production. By gaining real-time data driven insights, the technology will enable AE Aerospace to take a proactive approach to asset maintenance – thereby minimising machine downtime.

The same machines have also received additional software from Mazak called MT Connect. It makes available the data of commands and outputs form the machine to the 5G network, in turn this data can be used to run timers on SFDC to assess if we are meeting plan.

The end goal is to offer our customers a higher level of On Time in Full Delivery, and for them to be able to see exactly where their parts are against the plan. Additionally, we will be able to forecast our capacity by machine type and offer this availability to customers ahead of time.

We look forward for what's to come.