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emould@work

Project Scop
and Conclusions

Initial research has identified several areas for the project to address:

  1. Project ownership and the management of complex and multi-locational projects
  2. Tracking of and 24/7 accessibility to project information in all forms (ie emails, documents, conversations, CAD files), for quicker and better informed decision-making
  3. Early and ongoing flagging of incomplete data and specification changes to avoid reworking
  4. Gaps in product designers' knowledge that impact negatively on mould cost, lead-time and quality
  5. Speeding up mould design and manufacturing cycles
  6. Better exchange of data between different CAD packages
  7. Reducing sales and supplier sourcing cycles via searchable online trade directories and catalogues

Key Conclusions

1. Integrated CADCAM (addresses points 3, 5 & 6)

Flow Diagram Showing the e-mould optimised process

One integrated team results in a faster process, with no need for manual drawings and waiting between teams and systems, and less reworking. It's better because the 3D process improved quality and direct CNC removes errors. And it's cheaper with more economies of scale, one CADCAM system and less reworking.

2. Automation of key processes (addresses points 3, 5 & 6)

emould@work analysed the key mould processes at leading mouldmakers, identifying considerable scope for automation. Intelligent PS Moldmaker 'wizards' (software assistants) were created for dieblock design, mouldbase design, slide cores and slide mechanisms, cooling and electrodes. Machining templates and catalogues of standard and non-standard parts were also developed.

Software assistance helps improve speed, quality and consistency, replacing laborious preparation work with knowledge-based technology, giving the user greater control.

3. Supply chain collaboration (addresses points 1, 2, 4 & 7)

[Image of screen]

A new internet portal has been developed to allow greater supply chain collaboration. RFQs and PS Team project management can take place online and in real time, quotation data can be managed, and project tasks can either be created directly of imported from MS-Project.

All discussions are logged, all documents can be attached, and all parties to the project can see all relevant information. There's less opportunity for mistakes to be made as the whole process is transparent and accessible.