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The »»quickPick«« software module minimizes unproductive time spent searching for tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures within the facility. It is part of the ZOLLER TMS Tool Management Solutions system. It guides the user through all processes involved in storing and removing tools from stock using a graphic interface.
When tools and fixtures are needed to set up machines, they can be located and removed from storage locations in no time at all using different selection methods. For example, personnel can simply enter a simple ID code. The software module then immediately displays the corresponding storage location using color-coded 3D graphics.
Alternatively, warehouse staff or machine set-up operators can search for suitable tools in several steps—starting with the machining process. To do this, they first receive a list on the touchscreen with detailed data and graphics for the available tools and fixtures (optionally including measuring and operating equipment as well). Using additional criteria—such as diameter, protruding length, or a preferred storage location—they can refine the search and narrow it down to a smaller selection. Using the lists displayed and with a simple tap on the touchscreen, they can quickly and reliably find the tool or fixture required for the respective setup. Multiple tools and fixtures can also be selected from a list. As is the default in operating systems, this is done by selecting them using a button combination. For removal, the »»quickPick«« software module displays 3D graphics with color-coded storage locations where the required tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures are located.
The specialized “Circulation” function in the »»quickPick«« software module significantly speeds up the process of returning tools and fixtures from production back to the store. To do this, it displays lists of the tools that were previously removed from storage locations and used in production. This also applies to measuring and operating equipment as well as fixtures. This makes them easy to detect. With a simple tap, personnel can perform selections for individual tools and fixtures or entire lists on the touchscreen. The software module then displays the corresponding storage locations using 3D color graphics. Finally, the process of putting items into storage is confirmed only with a single touch on the touchscreen.
Regarding the wide-ranging benefits of the »quickPick« software module for the simple and fast removal from stock and retrieval of tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures, Robin Bender says: “Our software is designed to be universal. It provides suitable and comprehensive functions for a wide number of situations and steps. To ensure reliable and convenient operation in daily practice, customized structures sometimes prove to be more convenient and reliable. That is why the »»quickPick«« software module can be simply and seamlessly set up to meet individual requirements and conditions.”
Among other things, access rights can be assigned for selected functions and work processes. These are then accessible exclusively to designated personnel via access credentials (passwords, RFID). “Above all, this ensures safe work processes. For example, not everyone in the production facility can then freely remove costly tools from storage locations or adjust the (minimum) stock levels at their own discretion,” explains Robin Bender.
Among the especially useful, adjustable functions are so-called widgets. These are programmable displays for steps frequently executed by selected individuals. Any sequence of activities—such as removing and putting tools into storage for assembly and adjustment—can be individually created within a widget. With a single tap on the touchscreen, the widget then guides the user step-by-step through all necessary steps using graphics. These steps do not need to be called up individually. As a result, these widgets significantly simplify work with the »»quickPick«« software module, especially for less-trained personnel. As additional support, notes on tasks and lists of work steps to be executed can be created. The individually selected information contained therein helps ensure that operators safely and reliably execute the workflows transferred to them correctly.
“With ZOLLER’s »»quickPick«« software module, manufacturing companies operate much more agilely and flexibly when storing and removing tools from stock. The convenient and clear user guidance provided by graphics on the touchscreen simplifies and speeds up workflows. The tool cycle is transparent at all times. “Detailed information about stock in the store and on the production floor is always available. High-quality and costly tools, measuring and operating equipment, as well as fixtures, are properly handled and stored. This contributes significantly to manufacturing companies operating efficiently and economically,” explains Robin Bender, highlighting the advantages of ZOLLER’s Storage Location Management software module.
For manufacturing companies, it is more important than ever to minimize non-productive time when setting up their production equipment. This applies above all to the effort involved in locating tools in different storage locations and storing them as close to the production line as possible. Transparent storage and retrieval processes help avoid duplicate purchases and reduce tied-up capital—thus making hidden tools a thing of the past.
With the ZOLLER »quickPick« software module, manufacturing companies gain sophisticated functions to store and retrieve tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures simply, quickly, safely, and reliably in selectable combinations of manual and automated storage cabinets and systems. An advantage of the software module is that it guides operators through the operation graphically. With ZOLLER TMS Tool Management Solutions, storage systems are first created using the Storage Location Management module. This includes, among others, the ZOLLER Smart Cabinets storage systems with the »toolOrganizer« drawer cabinets for small tools and cutting inserts, and the »keeper« cabinets for tools for holding and complete tool sets. Photorealistic 3D models are available for these systems.
With the ZOLLER »»quickPick«« module, storage and retrieval processes can also be efficiently mapped and controlled in storage systems from other manufacturers, such as in paternoster storage systems. As Robin Bender, project manager for the TMS Tool Management Solutions software at ZOLLER, explains, the graphic view applies to manual storage cabinets. He adds: “The Storage Location Management module enables the representation of entire manufacturing areas, including storage locations, in 3D.”
Robin Bender cites another outstanding advantage of ZOLLER’s software: it guides users through all the steps involved in putting tools into storage or removing them, using context-specific icons and graphics on the touchscreen. “This avoids operating errors and ensures maximum process reliability when working with tool storage systems,” he adds. For example, if tools provided by manufacturers should be stored in in-house tool storage systems, the manufacturer’s ID codes on the packaging should only be scanned. In addition, the quantity of tools to be put into storage must be specified. For the physical storage and removal from stock of tools, the user is assisted by graphics showing the available storage locations. The LEDs on the drawers or pull-outs of the ZOLLER Smart Cabinets indicate to the operator which one is in control and facilitate the booking of items. Confirmation is performed by closing the drawer or pull-out. At the same time, an internal ID must be assigned in each case, which the software will use in the future to uniquely identify the tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures. The tools are now available to the ZOLLER tool management system, TMS Tool Management Solutions, throughout the entire tool lifecycle.
Alternatively, personnel can enter internal ID codes directly when tools are put into store to select storage locations for tools. Occasionally, discrepancies arise when tools, measuring and operating equipment, and fixtures are put into storage or during inventory. The necessary adjustments can be made very simply by performing an inventory change. Minimum and maximum quantities can also be entered for stocks in the store.
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