One of the most fundamental keys to running an efficient and cost-effective plant is having the right tool in the right place at the right time. While the cost of a milling or turning insert may range from a few dollars to significant investment, not having that tool available when needed can shut down an entire production line or more, resulting in missed delivery dates and lost profits.
That is why Kennametal Inc. has announced expansions of its ToolBOSS tool management system. "More and more customers are demanding vending solutions for all the classic reasons," said Jay Evans, Kennametal Program Manager for Global Supply Chain Services. "They all want to improve inventory control, downsize centralized tool crib operations, reduce the amount of time it takes for machine operators to locate required tools, and capture, compare and trend tooling costs associated with the part produced. Such data helps identify problem areas and opportunities for continuous improvement efforts."
The latest ToolBOSS model is a smaller, portable demo unit that Kennametal is making available to its distribution channel partners. "Distributors are the front line in customizing programs for their customers," said Evans. "The demo unit is a great way for those distributors to demonstrate ToolBOSS advantages right in their own conference rooms."
At only 100 lbs (45 kg), the demo unit includes a ToolBOSS computer loaded with the full version of ToolBOSS Inventory Manager software, the standard touch screen and two pre-configured tray levels. "Width- and depth-wise, the demo unit is a full-size ToolBOSS frame, but the height is only 23 inches (58.4 cm)," said Evans. "This allows our distributor partners to show a variety of tray and drawer sizes - solutions for large and small shops alike."
The Flex Unit is a full-size ToolBOSS frame that starts out with eight drawers. As customer requirements grow, more drawers can be added - up to 26 levels to the frame. "Trays and drawers can be configured not only for tooling, but also other shop needs such as belts, wheels, gloves and other equipment," said Evans.
Appropriate to its name, the ToolBOSS Modulo unit is a modular ToolBOSS frame that can be configured to provide different drawer and compartment sizes, expanding ToolBOSS for more than just tools, but also anything else companies want to more efficiently control, such as replacement parts, gloves, personal protection equipment and others.
For larger operations, the Modulo system can manage up to 120 ToolBOSS locations efficiently and securely, providing full identification, usage and automatic reordering capabilities. For even larger or more complex manufacturing customers, the ToolBOSS Roto Point can handle from 234 to 468 secure locations with new removable compartment dividers, including one variation that can be reconfigured on the customer's site. Multiple compartments can be selected in a single transaction, so large volumes of stock can be managed in a minimal amount of time. As with all ToolBOSS models, the ToolBOSS software provides a complete audit trail, so the who, what, when, where and how much of a company's key components is available at any time.
"Kennametal has implemented thousands of customized supply-chain service programs with manufacturing companies around the world," said Evans. "With automated tool-vending equipment, supply-chain software and peripherals, presetting equipment, tool standardization and consolidation, item planning, ramp up and installation services, turnkey training and consolidated billing, many of Kennametal's clients have been able to simultaneously downsize centralized tool crib operations and reduce the amount of time it takes for machine operators to locate required tools. The results can be dramatic decreases in inventory, tool budgets and administrative costs. Add the availability of Kennametal expertise to help consult and recommend standard and custom ToolBOSS solutions and you'll find that implementing best practices and improving supply chain efficiencies can be done with a minimal difficulty, whatever the size and complexity of your organization."
According to the company, the latest 28-level ToolBOSS occupies the same footprint as the former 20-level version and offers the following features:
- Reconfigurable: the cabinet can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing requirements of the user. Single trays or the entire frame can be changed in minutes without the use of tools.
- Manual override facility: in the event that a manual override is needed, the cabinet ensures 24/7 availability with a manual override capability, which is simple and easy to use and requires no disassembly.
- Drawer options: there are currently 19 different drawer sizes available to accommodate a variety of different sizes of items. Additional special sizes are available upon request.
- Security: access to the contents can be restricted by the use of username, password, biometric identification, card readers or a combination of these options. The drawer locks cannot be forced open in normal or aggressive use without the assistance of tools. Items are hidden from view and can be randomly distributed around the machine, reducing the risk of the unauthorized removal.
- Diagnostics: the machine has a built-in tray diagnostic port, facilitating improved remote system support, diagnosis and repair.
- Efficiency: multiple drawers can be selected in one transaction, minimizing the time required to manage large volumes of stock.
- Future-proof: the cabinet incorporates a USB interface, as well as a DCS expansion port, for use with RFID and other ancillary equipment.
- High-speed access: rapid search and selection of items via the ToolBOSS software is further enhanced with a complete LED identification system that guides users directly to the correct drawer.
- Traceability: the ToolBOSS software provides a complete audit trail, enabling operators to track who used a component stored in the system, as well as when, where and why.
- Expandability: the cabinet can be expanded up to 10 units per system, providing up to 1,121 separate items in 13,440 secure locations.
Kennametal reports the following tool management software features:
- Multi-location tool stores/ToolBoss (POI)
- Fast and efficient method for booking tooling items in and out
- Purchase ordering - preferred single supplier via automated electronic mail
- Automated purchase order data transfer to and from SAP via XML file
- Management of tool kits
- Shared tool kit data
- Tool pre-setting
- Gauge management by calibration expiration date
- Security through user-level permissions
- Accurate cost analysis reports.
Kennametal reports the following benefits:
- Accurate and individual control over multiple stores (POI)
- Reduces downtime at stores window/cell
- Automate and streamline the purchasing process
- Integrates into existing ERP systems
- One keystroke issuing of kits
- Instant access to all data
- Can link to existing pre-set machines
- Real time information from all tool vending systems
- Recall control over all traceable items
- Ease of access for all data
- Ability to control individual user rights
- Automatic reporting at the touch of a button.
For more information contact:
Kennametal Inc.
P.O. Box 231
1600 Technology Way
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-539-5000
www.kennametal.com