SPOCS Gives Sheet Plants Access to OEE.

KMSS, the developers of management software for sheet plants, confirms that the information needed for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculations is directly available to users of the Shop Floor Data Collection module of the SPOCS³² sheet plant operations control system.

Clive Corner, Managing Director of KMSS, said, “More and more sheet plants are using OEE to monitor and improve the efficiency of their manufacturing processes and for benchmarking purposes. But getting the data to calculate OEE is time consuming and is only of any use if it is complete and reliable. The Shop Floor Data Collection module available for our SPOCS³² system not only ensures the data is collected, but also ensures its integrity and delivers the results in an easily understandable format.”

Using shop floor touch screens and bar code readers, machine operators record each run event (setting, running, down, standby) as it happens. The data then passes in real time to the SPOCS³² system. Clive Corner said, “As well as being easy to use, the system is interactive, so it will query unexpected or unusual entries. That helps ensure all the data entered is good data.”

As information is input, the powerful SPOCS³² system makes real-time and aggregated results available to authorised users in an easy to read graphical format.

The Shop Floor Data Collection module can also be configured to report wastage levels, interface with stock management, and create a paperless works order/job bag system.

The Apprentice Heads East.

John Stelmasiak, an engineering apprentice with Bobst Group (UK & Ireland) Limited has just left Britain for a ten week training course in Shanghai, China.

Nineteen year old John has been employed by Bobst for three years and is almost at the end of his apprenticeship period, after which he will join the twenty strong team of Bobst field service engineers who cover the UK and Ireland.

Before he left for China, John said, “I’m really looking forward to the course and to experiencing a totally different culture. I’ve got quite a fascination with the Far East so it will be interesting to spend some time there. As well as the training, I’m hoping to get time to visit Beijing and to maybe see the Terracotta Warriors in Xian as well.”

John’s course will be held at the Bobst production facility in Shanghai where, with other engineers from Bobst Service Centers around the world, he will learn in detail about the electrical and mechanical operation of Bobst Novacut die-cutters.

As John is nearing the end of his apprenticeship, Bobst Group plans to recruit a new apprentice. John’s boss, National Service Manager Alan Letford, is currently on the lookout for a 16-19 year old to join the Bobst Group apprenticeship programme in the autumn. Alan says, “We always aim to have at least one apprentice in training at any time. John has done really well and now we need to find someone with the same energy to join us.

Despite not having ‘Lord’ in front of his name like his famous namesake Lord Alan Sugar, Alan says he is looking forward to saying ‘You’re Hired’. “The person we recruit will go through a one year engineering course at college and then three years of on-the-job training with day-release. We can’t promise they’ll end up in China, but it’s a great opportunity for someone.”

Redditch, Worcs. – 4 July 2011

Studio Loza Goes Mobile

The Studio Loza website is now mobile friendly, making it even easier to get information about the apartment or to contact the owners.

With sections on the apartment, booking and general information about Split, the mobile version of the site is just what you need when you are on the move. There are links to Google Maps, which on many smartphones will open the application centred on Studio Loza, quick and easy ways to e-mail or call , and links back here to the Studio Loza blog, Split Definitive, blog and the Twitter feed.
Just point your mobile browser at www.studioloza.com and the system should detect your phone and direct you to the mobile site.