Thomas Brown Engineering has invested in CNC communication and program management software to support competitiveness and growth in the aerospace market.
The software, developed and installed by industry leading Cambridge Numerical Control, incorporates a real-time, machine tool data collection system. This system provides real-time information direct to production control about shop floor productivity and allows for informed decisions to be made regarding production schedules and delivery information to customers. The analysis capabilities of the software mean that production bottlenecks can be easily identified, downtime can be analysed and machine maintenance can be effectively scheduled.
The CNC Program Management side of the software also aids the CNC programmers and operators on the shop floor. The integrated management, search and editing environment allows the production team to work effectively, reducing hold ups and inefficiencies on the shop floor.
The Crosland Moor based company secured part funding for the project from Digital Enterprise, an innovative business support programme, which is providing funding and digital knowledge support for Leeds City region businesses who are looking to invest in digital technology in order to grow and secure high-quality jobs for the future.
Managing Director Tom Brown said of the project: “This investment in software will help us to compete in the complex and competitive global aerospace market. It complements the large investment we have made in recent years in state-of-the-art CNC machine tools. We recognise that data collection followed by analysis and action, coupled with effective CNC program management procedures will enable us to maximise on our investment in manufacturing equipment. This in turn contributes to us delivering on our mission to consistently deliver an exceptional precision machining service to our customers.”