Tool-TracK’s unique features allow end of shift data relating to machine run-hours and tool cycles to be transferred automatically from most of the commonly available Production Monitoring Systems, such as those from Barco, Mattec or Oxbridge, or from any other source that can provide the relevant data in an ASCII comma-delimited file. This enables all completed machine and tool run-times to be recorded and routinely scheduled maintenance to be calculated. As a result planned maintenance is never missed through lack of information on completed run-times and the tasks can be carried out at the most convenient and cost-effective times, e.g. during job changes. Alternatively, where no real-time production monitoring system is available, a spreadsheet can be used to input the data using a similar ASCII file, or data can be input directly using the shift update screen.

Tool-TracK provides an accurate overview of the status of every tool in your facility. Tool-TracK lets you know how many cycles or strokes are available to each tool before the next planned maintenance is due, as well as the type, estimated time and estimated cost of the next scheduled maintenance. Tool-TracK also provides information on the status of all currently running jobs including a comparison of the number of cycles left to complete the current job with the number remaining before maintenance is due. It also provides information on machine run-hours left before machine maintenance is due and indicates the hours left to complete the current job. A projected end of job date is also provided to assist in scheduling machine maintenance.

Tool-TracK displays a list of tools and machines that are due for maintenance and compares that to the status of the running job. This enables the user to forward plan both tool and machine maintenance tasks, as well as maintenance staffing levels, to achieve optimum efficiencies. It also checks which parts are required for the tasks and gives a warning if there is insufficient stock to complete the planned activities.

Each time a revision level or ECN change occurs Tool-TracK allows the user to close out the old revision level and store the cost and the repair history information for the completed revision. This includes the amount of time the revision was active, the amount of money spent on in-house labour and materials as well as outside repair costs. Tool-TracK retrieves this information by tool number and version/ECN. This detailed analysis helps identify abnormally high repair costs by revision level or outside vendor. Multiple repairs are accomodated within each revision level and planned maintenance and break-down costs are shown seperately. This detail helps monitor costs, identify savings and makes it easier to re-charge and recover costs where customer tooling is involved.