Automated Production Work Queue
Blog Post 9.01.03 - Practical Steps to Automate Manufacturing Engineering
Automate the manufacturing engineering workflow process with an Automated Production Work Queue. Read More ...
Global Edge Video Blog-9.01
Practical Steps to Automate Manufacturing Engineering
Global Edge Engineering Assistant is an innovative engineering tool that automates many of the labor-intensive workflow tasks associated with preparing information for the shop floor. This starts with the automated generation of DXF Flat Files from SolidWorks Sheet Metal CAD Models including the incorporation of extended data to facilitate Automated CAM Bend Program Generation. This also includes Manufacturability Testing to determine if sheet metal parts can be successfully fabricated before leaving engineering.
This also includes an Automated Production Work Queue that integrates daily ERP production orders with engineering to automate Manufacturing Engineering process.
This also includes an Automated Production Work Queue that integrates daily ERP production orders with engineering to automate Manufacturing Engineering process.
- Automates Manufacturing Engineering Workflow Process
- Provides Shop Floor with Accurate and Timely Information
- Helps Reduce and Eliminate Shop Floor Rework
- Increases Engineering Capacity without Adding Additional Staff
Automating Manufacturing Engineering: Transforming Workflow with an Automated Production Work Queue
Unlocking Efficiency and Precision with Global Edge Engineering Assistant
Introduction
Manufacturing engineering stands at the intersection of innovation and execution, charged with turning conceptual designs into tangible products at scale. Traditionally, this discipline has relied on a combination of skilled engineers, manual processes, and a patchwork of digital tools, all orchestrated to ensure that shop floor operations run smoothly. However, as demand for faster turnarounds, higher quality, and leaner operations grows, manufacturing engineering must evolve beyond legacy workflows. Enter automation—a game-changer for streamlining complex tasks, reducing errors, and amplifying engineering capacity.
This document explores how the automation of manufacturing engineering workflow processes, specifically through an Automated Production Work Queue and Global Edge Engineering Assistant, is revolutionizing the field. We will examine the underlying technologies, the workflow enhancements, and the myriad benefits for both engineering teams and shop floor operators.
The Challenges of Traditional Manufacturing Engineering Workflow
Before delving into solutions, it is important to recognize the challenges inherent in conventional manufacturing engineering workflows:
- Manual Data Preparation: Engineers spend considerable time preparing information for the shop floor, translating designs into manufacturable instructions and files.
- Fragmented Communication: Disconnects between engineering and production can result in outdated or inaccurate documentation, leading to costly rework.
- Limited Capacity: Growing order volumes strain engineering teams, requiring either more hires or risking delays and mistakes.
- Reactive Issue Handling: Manufacturability testing often occurs too late, allowing problematic parts to reach the shop floor and trigger production disruptions.
The Solution: Automating the Workflow
At the core of the transformation is the Automated Production Work Queue—an intelligent, integrated system that automates many of the labor-intensive workflow tasks. When paired with a powerful tool like Global Edge Engineering Assistant, the entire process becomes streamlined, from CAD model preparation to shop floor deployment.
The Automated Production Work Queue
An Automated Production Work Queue acts as an orchestrator, seamlessly integrating daily ERP production orders with engineering tasks. It dynamically prioritizes, delegates, and tracks workflow items so that information flows where and when it is needed. Key features include:
- Integration: Real-time connectivity between ERP systems and engineering tools ensures that production orders trigger automated engineering workflows without manual intervention.
- Prioritization: Tasks are assigned based on production urgency, resource availability, and engineering complexity, reducing bottlenecks and idle time.
- Traceability: Every action—file generation, testing, approval—is logged for accountability and process improvement.
Global Edge Engineering Assistant: The Engine Behind Automation
Global Edge Engineering Assistant is designed to automate the most time-consuming and error-prone aspects of manufacturing engineering. Its core functionalities include:
- Automated Generation of DXF Flat Files: By extracting flat patterns directly from SolidWorks Sheet Metal CAD Models, the Assistant eliminates manual file preparation. Extended data is incorporated to facilitate Automated CAM Bend Program Generation, ensuring the shop floor receives fully prepared files for each part.
- Manufacturability Testing: The Assistant performs automatic checks to verify that sheet metal parts can be successfully fabricated. This upfront testing prevents problematic designs from reaching production, reducing rework and waste.
- Shop Floor-Ready Documentation: All outputs are formatted and annotated for immediate use on the shop floor, increasing the accuracy and timeliness of information delivery.
Automated Workflow Process: Step by Step
1. ERP Order Integration: Daily production orders are imported from the ERP system into the Automated Production Work Queue.2. Automatic Task Creation: Each order triggers the creation of engineering workflow tasks—generating DXF files, manufacturability testing, and documentation preparation.3. DXF Flat File Automation: Global Edge Engineering Assistant extracts flat patterns from SolidWorks Sheet Metal CAD Models, adding necessary data for CAM bend programming.4. Manufacturability Testing: Each CAD model is tested for fabrication feasibility, flagging any issues before they reach the shop floor.5. Automated Documentation: Engineering outputs are formatted for shop floor use, complete with part details, bend programs, and manufacturing instructions.6. Queue Management: Tasks are managed, tracked, and prioritized within the Automated Production Work Queue, ensuring that deadlines are met and resources optimized.7. Shop Floor Deployment: Accurate, timely information is delivered to the shop floor, enabling seamless production and minimizing downtime.
Benefits of Automation in Manufacturing Engineering
Automating the manufacturing engineering workflow yields tangible advantages:
- Increased Engineering Capacity: Automation handles repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing engineers to focus on innovation and problem-solving. Remarkably, this boosts output without the need for additional staff.
- Reduced Shop Floor Rework: Accurate and validated documentation eliminates mistakes and production errors, saving time and resources.
- Enhanced Information Accuracy: Automated processes reduce the risk of human error, ensuring the shop floor receives reliable, up-to-date information.
- Faster Turnaround: Tasks move rapidly from design to production, supporting just-in-time manufacturing and agile order fulfillment.
- Scalability: As production volumes grow, automated systems can easily scale to accommodate more orders without significant overhead.
Case Study: Transforming a Sheet Metal Manufacturing Operation
Consider a mid-sized manufacturer specializing in sheet metal fabrication. Prior to automation, the engineering team struggled to keep pace with daily production orders, often leading to delays, errors, and frequent shop floor interruptions.Upon implementing an Automated Production Work Queue and Global Edge Engineering Assistant:
- The time required to generate DXF files dropped by over 70%, as CAD model extraction and CAM program creation became fully automated.
- Manufacturability issues were caught before parts left engineering, cutting rework rates in half.
- Engineering staff spent less time on routine tasks and more on value-added work, allowing the company to take on more orders without hiring additional personnel.
- Shop floor teams reported a dramatic decrease in downtime due to errors, thanks to the accuracy and timeliness of automated documentation.
Implementing Automated Manufacturing Engineering Solutions
Transitioning to an automated workflow requires thoughtful planning and adoption:
- Assessment: Evaluate existing processes and identify areas where automation will have the greatest impact.
- Integration: Ensure seamless connectivity between engineering tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ERP systems) and automation platforms.
- Training: Equip engineering and shop floor teams with the skills needed to leverage new tools and processes.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor results, refine workflows, and update automation protocols to maximize efficiency.
Conclusion
The automation of manufacturing engineering workflow processes signals a new era for production operations. By leveraging tools like the Automated Production Work Queue and Global Edge Engineering Assistant, manufacturers can unlock unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. This transformation empowers engineering teams to deliver shop floor-ready information in record time, reduce costly errors, and expand capacity without expanding headcount.
As the demands of manufacturing continue to evolve, embracing automation is not just a competitive advantage—it is a necessity for forward-thinking organizations determined to thrive in a dynamic, technology-driven marketplace.