Software to optimise equipment for retail outlets

Advanced Manufacturing

Food display cabinets, refrigerators, endcaps, shelves, display cases, etc. The world of point of sale equipment in the retail sector is as diverse as are its requirements. Retail establishments require customised equipment, designed according to the specific characteristics of each premises and the type of food and drink to be preserved, with different sizes and configurations to suit the retail space, not to mention the finishes. All this is must be configured and production must be precisely controlled, adjusted to meet the time constraints of each order.

In order to optimise manufacturing in a production process that is usually long with tight deadlines - and to be able to meet orders without any problems resulting from an urgent or failed order, an adjustment to the part dimensions or a machine overload - it is necessary to have the appropriate sheet metal cutting software and the most advanced technology.

Programs that can also be integrated with your own CAD systems. At Lantek we have these tools within the Lantek Expert product family, which uses any cutting machine (be it laser, plasma, oxyacetylene or water jet), has the most advanced nesting algorithms and machining strategies, and has a specific tool for complex HVAC duct intersections. Lantek Expert Duct is a powerful module for the automatic drawing of HVAC duct figures. It includes a wide range of parametrised shapes where almost all the parts to be used can be found.

All this, combined with Lantek Flex3d, designed to automate the CNC programming of machines manufacturing tubes, pipes, beams and sheet metal. Being able to work with 3D solutions, the manufacturer can visualise the design beforehand, then manufacture the display case, refrigerator, display unit or metal shelf required by the customer.

By means of these programming solutions it is possible to take advantage of the full capacity of the cutting, punching, laser and multi-function machines using the various nesting options to maximize the use of the raw material with a dynamic response to possible changes in production, guaranteeing an improvement in the performance of the finished parts, without running the risk of running out of them due to a stock problem.

By using these software solutions, the company manages to minimise unforeseen events in the production of all parts, integrating its CAD systems on a single platform efficiently and seamlessly and being able to manage the variables throughout the production cycle of each product (variants, versions, modularity, parametric manufacturing, etc.), adapting the processes according to the agreed deadlines.

In order to adapt to the order deadline, project and specification constraints of each product, it is essential to have meticulous control of the manufacturing process. In other words, it is desirable to be able to programme and control the manufacturing processes of each piece using the appropriate software technology. This is where Lantek MES and our ERP Lantek Integra come in. These enable the company’s productivity to be maximised through optimum management of the production centres with complete product traceability. Each part of the process can be controlled in the event of unforeseen events, failures or changes in manufacturing.

Lantek MES Manager manages the execution of the manufacturing processes from the launch of the work order until the product is finished. Production monitoring that incorporates functions such as budget planning, control of material requirements and ordering, management of work teams, shifts and leave; as well as the production process so that new orders can be entered if necessary, as well as cost control.

Likewise, Lantek Integra provides the necessary tools to control and supervise the manufacturing process. It can be integrated with other company systems such as customer management, budgets, purchase management, stock control, etc. Thus, for example, it is possible to keep track of purchases and stock levels of items such as handles, refrigeration compressors and hinges; tracking both costs and estimated delivery dates in order to ensure that contracts are fulfilled on time.

Competing in the metal industry means being flexible and punctual in managing orders, especially in a sector such as retail. Lantek’s software solutions are very useful tools for any production manager in this sector who wants their equipment and workplace to function as smoothly as a well-oiled machine, showing high levels of productivity, agility and efficiency through the improvement obtained from digitising with Lantek’s products. All this with the sole objective of making this sector increasingly competitive in today’s environment.