Preactor is right tool for high-precision machining job

A Preactor 200 FCS finite scheduling tool is helping special-purpose, high precision machine manufacturer, Oncad Engineering of Newton Aycliffe, to optimise the efficient running of its entire production operation.

The Preactor interactive electronic planning board helps Oncad Engineering run its ISO9000 system, tracks the progress of jobs, ensures delivery deadlines are met and enables the whole assembly operation to be accurately scheduled.

"Through the universities, we investigated what finite scheduling tools are available and Preactor came out top," says Oncad Engineering's Doug Bates. "It's flexible, it's easy to program and, in price terms, it's excellent value."

Oncad Engineering has two Preactor systems in operation. One system is a Preactor Viewer which was originally used by the company for data collection, but is now dedicated to job-costing. The second system is a Preactor 200 FCS, which can access the Preactor Viewer, producing a total tracking and costing record and giving accurate time and money figures.

"We trust Preactor completely," continues Doug Bates. "We use 'What if' scenarios to assess the usage and profitability of investing in new machinery, for example. It's paramount for delivery time, too, flagging us when a project is running late so we can liaise with the customer. And when we move to our new factory, tooling and machining will be re-united ' with the whole assembly process scheduled exclusively by Preactor."

Preactor offers many advantages over conventional spreadsheets and MRP software. It can deal with the complexities of a wide range of manufacturing systems, it is easy to set up and use, and it can be installed at a very competitive cost. Preactor also has the capacity to grow as the manufacturing company grows - it could be installed at entry level, for example, then upgraded as and when required.