Software used to be an afterthought, using whatever software your truss plate provider had. In the past, most companies thought software was given to them for free with their machine purchase, when in actuality it was rolled into their pricing.
Whether you used Comsoft’s Wall Builder (my first software), MiTek’s package (my second software), or Alpine’s package – they did everything they could to include add-ons onto the software to accommodate their customers as best they could. Those of us on the CM side of things constantly suffered through glitches and work-arounds. With the industry experiencing a revolution of good reliable labor decreasing and pushing the need for more automated equipment, software has now become a vital part of the manufacturing process.
Software packages have come a long way in a short time. Most have either turned into or are turning into BIM suites. Building Information Modeling is a problem-solving tool that communicates a plan to construct buildings more effectively. A BIM tool allows users to generate and manage digital representations of characteristics and functions of building structures. In addition, BIM software provides information such as spatial relationships, light analysis, and geographic information. This process can also break down the actual building parts to piece together how they fit into one structure. These elements can include walls, columns, windows, door, stairs, and more. This data can be extracted, networked, or exchanged to facilitate decision-making regarding the specific building or structure the user is designing.
What does that mean when considering a BIM suite for your design software? It means that the whole design project now becomes linked. Changes automatically get updated accurately through the whole project. No more making a change to a window causing a reset to every subcomponent in the wall. The project’s information becomes accessible and exportable in several forms. BIM design suites also integrate with other software programs such as your CRM, production management system, or architectural suite. A complete and accurate inventory list of everything, including the hardware, can be easily generated. BIM design suites also integrate with automated production machinery.
To help take advantage of your BIM suite, Stiles & Weinmann offer software to make the integration as effective as possible. This includes the following options.
wupWorks 3 – The wupWorks 3 automatically converts WUP files created in a CAD program into CNC programs. The corresponding data is displayed graphically as a 3D model. Fully automatic optimization cycles ensure the best results. The software also selects the correct tools automatically.
wupWorks work preparation – The wupWorks preparation allows you to optimize your production orders while you are still in the office. With the time simulation feature, you can determine the processing time and thus optimize your quotation, as well as data control and optimization. The software can generate unprocessed timber lists and automatically match tooling between the machine and the office. This means less machine downtime thanks to elimination of data record optimization and shortening of machine throughput times.
wupEditor Basic – In wupEditor, you can read a WUP or BTL file generated in a CAD program, convert it into a drawing, and then edit the drawing. In addition, you can use macros to quickly and easily create or complete components and transfer them straight into wupWorks, without using a CAD system.
wupClient – The wupClient production line control unit enables communication between individual machines and a production system. The entire flow of data, from CAD up to execution, is displayed. The production line control unit (wupServer or external control systems), used in combination with the wupClient installed on the machine, provides central control of the production flow. The machines receive the right information at the right time, the elements are produced in the desired order, and the outlay for logistics is reduced.
Tool Database – This software is used to maintain all tool data including dimensions, collision dimensions, and permitted speeds. A graphical user interface supports the user during data entry, allowing the machine software to select the right tools for the task at hand.
woodScout – The woodScout diagnostic system displays warnings and errors for diagnostic purposes. The program enables systematic troubleshooting, which increases machine availability. You can also add your own comments to the expert information displayed. The integrated machine documentation automatically opens at the correct location for the fault description in question. The program provides information in a simple and user-friendly way, enabling you to resolve faults quickly and independently.
MMR Basic – The MMR software module (Machine Monitoring & Reporting) records all production and machine data. The software logs a wide range of important data, including the number of workpieces reduced and the run time of the machine. The usage-dependent maintenance instructions ensure that the right maintenance is carried out at the right time.
Software can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be. Stiles is here to help every step of the way – from discovery through implementation and beyond. At Stiles, we understand the importance of choosing the right solution for you and your production. We are dedicated to creating a partnership that will help your operation become more efficient.
Chris Scott
Project Specialist, Stiles Machinery
cscott@stilesmachinery.com, 480-407-7277