What does the Tool Management module do?
The Tool Management module records the capital and consumable tooling which you need for each operation of a process layout.
Key features
- Maintains a tool and gauge library.
- Maintains a tool and gauge schedule for each operation.
- Manages tool kitting.
- Prompts for tip changes based on parts counted by the monitoring system.
- Controls tool stocks.
- Controls tool purchasing.
Is it suitable for my business?
The Tool Management module is designed for manufacturing processes where each operation typically requires more than one item of tooling, for example turning and milling operations.
It is over-complicated for operations which use a single tool, such as injection moulding, diecasting, thermoforming and presswork.
The system distinguishes between capital tooling and consumable tooling.
Capital tooling
Capital tooling is tooling which is a business asset and may need maintenance from time to time.
These are recorded in the asset register with a unique asset number. This allows you to use the Maintenance management module to record repairs and maintenance to these tools.
Consumable tooling
Consumable tooling is tooling which is expected to wear out during use, for example carbide tips and twist drills.
Bill of tooling
You can describe the tool holders on each of your machines, for example the stations on the turret or tailstock of a lathe.
You can then specify a list of tools attached to each toolholder for an operation. We call this a bill of tooling.
Tool stock
You use the Stock control module to describe and manage your tool stores.
Tool kitting
The system will generate a list of all the tooling you require for an operation and show you the quantity and location of each item in your tool stores.
You can use the Purchase order processing module to handle the purchase and receipt of tools which are not in stock.
Issue and return of tools
The system allows you to issue tools to a specific operation on a specific machine, so that you can see the location of all tooling at any time, whether in your tool stores or at a machine.
It allows you to record the return of part-worn tools, such as carbide tips with some edges used. This helps to ensure that part-used tools are not thrown away.