Process Management System Monitors Cells or Line

Tongtai Integrated Monitoring Systems (TIMS) software for processes and machine tool management was developed by Tongtai Machine Tools and FANUC, and is available from Absolute Machine Tools. The software enables users to monitor real-time and historic parameters on each machine within a cell or on the process line as a whole, from anywhere on the internet or company intranet. Collected data can be downloaded and exported into Microsoft Excel for analyzing and sharing.

The system incorporates four main functions. The “machine situations monitoring” function tracks real-time machine conditions regarding spindle speed, loads on axes and the current program number in operation. The “production line management” function monitors cycle times on all machines within a cell and enables comparison of cycle times and job status. “Operation history recording” enables comparing variances of functionality that can affect a machine’s capacity and volume to help understand arising problems. “Alarm history recording” tracks the CNC control alarms to help resolve potential problems before they become serious.