Data-based decisions

We all know that our goal is to achieve online connectivity between our IT systems and the real processes taking place in our factories. However, in reality, nowadays there is no single communication standard which allows us to communicate our IT solutions (ERP/MRP/MES) to any given machine from any given manufacturer and, of all these terms, it is not easy to understand which are important in each case.

Interview with Mr. Austin Jarret, Managing Director of the British company SSC Laser Cutting. SSC Laser Cutting has three plants and manufactures laser cut and folded parts for agricultural and body on to chassis manufacturers in the UK. The company has recently started its digitalization process.

Most managers of manufacturing companies will have heard of Industry 4.0, but what does it really mean and why is it important? Rob Powell the Commercial Director for Lantek in Malvern, UK is in an ideal position to explain as Lantek specialises in CADCAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for sheet metal manufacturers, helping them to program their sheet metal machinery, optimise material usage and run their businesses more efficiently.