New WORKPLAN Combines ERP and MES Functions

The latest release of WORKPLAN, from the Production Software business of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, includes new and enhanced functionality making it the first integrated project management system combining ERP and MES in a single database.

Incorporating new features normally only found in MES solutions, WORKPLAN 2020.0 is now placing itself as the main tool for centralising a company’s data to improve production management, including machine events, monitoring, CMMS, CAM supervision, workflow, and part traceability.

Brand Manager Christophe MAS says: “WORKPLAN is the first ERP system to integrate MES functions as standard, putting it firmly as the backbone of a company, combining sales and production management, as well providing workshop supervision in real time.”

The new WORKPLAN 2020.0 integrates internet solutions for job time tracking on the world wide web, including clock-in/out time tickets at the start and end of the working day, along with time spent on both productive and non-productive activities. This avoids the need for additional time-consuming data input.

New user interface for stock and program management
Christophe MAS says not all companies managing wood or steel panel-type materials have the capacity or desire to set up a complete management system. “The latest release of WORKPLAN offers a simple and efficient stock management solution for them, including aspects such as stock reception/withdrawal, inventory, scrap management and traceability.”

The system is even more time efficient when interfaced with Hexagon’s CAM programming software ALPHACAM. As soon as the program is validated, data reporting in WORKPLAN, and information about panels and plates, is all completed in a few mouse clicks.

Activity Basket
WORKPLAN 2020.0 introduces an ‘Activity Basket’ which performs a variety of functions. “When several tasks from different projects are performed simultaneously within a single production operation, such as 3D printing, heat treatment, punching, or laser cutting, it’s difficult to monitor and assign real cycle times and materials to each project without causing issues with job reports,” he says.

“Now, when preparing production, users can create a basket of operations grouped by service, and manage all cost distribution according to their individual needs.” The supervision window allows consolidation of all pending, in-progress, or finished baskets and programs, either by operator or service. And information is available on real time progress, documentation, and the number of components produced.

New QuickBooks Interface
The new release of WORKPLAN features an improved interface to connect with the Enterprise and Online version of QuickBooks accounting software. All customer and supplier invoices data are swiftly transferred, along with full company records.

Cabinet Vision Interface – Labour Import
It is now possible to import the full list of manufacturing operations from a Cabinet Vision project into a WORKPLAN quotation, incorporating the expected time based on the Bid Center’s rate tables.

In conclusion, Christophe MAS says the new and enhanced functionality further increases performance for all project-based companies in the aerospace, automotive, mechanical, sheet metal and woodworking industrial sectors. “WORKPLAN 2020.0 enables users to accurately manage and analyse the entire manufacturing process step by step, from quotation to invoicing.

“And it’s the first ERP solution to integrate MES functions as standard.”