Paradigm shift in toolmanagement?
Our numerous discussions in recent years on the subject of production digitization in general and digital tool management in particular have shown us that there are two main ideas of what a tool management system is and what it is generally used for. Perhaps we can even speak of different paradigms.
1. authoring system approach: tool management as a data source
One, and perhaps also the predominant, idea is that a tool management system is an authoring system, similar to CAD/CAM software, with which tools can be digitally created and mapped. Such systems are then used as leading tool databases to feed the CAM system databases from outside. This is useful when CAM systems are used that have limited configuration options for the tool data, especially if a company has several such CAM systems in use. In this case, the tool management system can then act as the leading tool database and supply the CAM systems centrally. These tool management systems often also have modules for inventory management or tool ordering.
2nd IOT approach: Tool management as a manager of real existing tools
The other and perhaps increasingly widespread idea sees the tasks and benefits of a tool management system primarily in the management of the tools that actually exist in production. The focus is therefore no longer just on the tool database or the ordering system, but above all on the digital twin and the associated data such as storage location, measurement data, remaining service life, usage and utilization history, etc. Which tool database is leading is in principle secondary; the consistency of the databases used is particularly important, as the uniqueness of the data must be ensured.
What does our experience say?
Our own experience shows that existing CAM systems often have sufficiently good tool databases. In addition, the CAM system appears to be the ideal leading source for tool data, as the CAM programmer basically knows best which tools he should use and how, and he can also remain within a single authoring system.
As an IIOT system, the EVOMECS tool management system clearly focuses on the management of existing tools and their digital twins. However, this requires the ability to consolidate existing tool databases of one or more CAM systems (or classic tool management systems) used by the customer, from which the digital twins can then be generated. In principle, EVOMECS can also create tools and act as a leading database, although this functionality is rarely used in practice. Our customers rate the benefits and rationalization potential of managing existing tools much higher than the use of an additional tool database alongside the CAM system.
Are we experiencing a paradigm shift in the area of tool management?
From our point of view, the answer is a definite YES. The decisive factor is an honest and reflective examination by the customer of the question of where the shoe pinches the most. In the tool database or on the store floor. In the end, it doesn't have to be an "either/or", but perhaps an "as well as". In any case, the use of state-of-the-art technologies and software architectures creates an unprecedented space of possibilities that needs to be tapped into.
What are your experiences and needs? Talk to us!
