A computer model for tool management information system

Abstract

Tooling is an important and expensive part of any manufacturing enterprise. An application-based tool management system was developed for a machining company that bad a total expenditure of over a million dollars per annum on tooling alone. The system was developed on a relational database system available on a PC network. All different types of tools, their cost, supplier location of the tooling, and other relevant infonnation were built into the system for management to make the right decisions on tooling. The paper gives an overview of the tooling system and describes the individual modules and ~eir interrelationships, including some of the important files. It also describes how the system helps the company controlling tool costs and inventory.

Managing modular fixture elements with Tabu Search in a Web-based environment

“…Narang (1997) has therefore concluded: 'Implementation of an encompassing tool management system is one of the most essential aspects of an effective automated manufacturing system. Many companies today cannot achieve on-time delivery or operating efficiency, not because of the lack of materials, machine or labour, but because of not having the right tooling at the right time'.…”