MEMEX - Microsoft Dynamics AX

Ellipse Solutions Advanced MES for Microsoft Dynamics AX

Memex Automation recently did a joint video with the Microsoft AX Users Group to explain how MERLIN works with Dynamics AX.

MEMEX - Improved Utilization Through Machine Monitoring

Mazak Testimonial

“The implementation of MTConnect is one of the simplest and fastest ways to improve productivity and increase machine utilization.  Mazak’s MTConnect implementation provided the highest ROI for any capital investment because of the significant increase in utilization of equipment for a very moderate expenditure.”

– Brian Papke, President of Mazak Corp., as stated to the President of AMT at IMTS2014.

Modern Machine Shop posted the article Data Driven Manufacturing Moves Ahead at Mazak.  Mazak, the largest machine tool manufacturer in the world, has selected Memex’s MERLIN to be implemented at their world class manufacturing facility in Florence, KY, after a thorough evaluation of global vendors.  MERLIN is also available for purchase directly from Mazak.

Automation.com posted the article Mazak uses MERLIN MES and MTConnect at Kentucky plant Results include 42% improvement in machine Utilization, 100 hours of reduced operator overtime per month and 400 hours per month of previously outsourced work that was returned to Mazak.

Today’s Medical Developments posted the article Benefits of a Networked Plant in its July issue online about Mazak’s experience with MERLIN.

A great video presentation about the use of MERLIN at Mazak, the world’s largest machine tool builder, by the VP of Manufacturing, Ben Schawe.  Improved Utilization Through Machine Monitoring.

MEMEX - IMT S360 Interview

On the IMTS show floor with Canada’s Memex Automation

Manufacturing AUTOMATION caught up with Burlington, Ont.’s Memex Automation while at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Company president David McPhail gave us a demo of MERLIN, Memex’s manufacturing operations management system. Take a look.

MEMEX - IMTS 2014 Interview

Uncovering the Hidden Factory — and Connecting it to the Business

Industry Week – September 11, 2014

How do you move from the traditional “disconnected” manufacturing model to a connected digital model?

You start with data, asserts David McPhail, CEO of Memex Automation, and then you connect it to the business–that’s right: “shop floor to the top floor.”

“Start with having the data on your shop floor contextualized and put into a database,” he advises. “Have the data that the machines are creating right now, that you’re not tracking, and track it, and connect them.” That allows companies to calculate OEE and to tie profitability and productivity directly together.

“If you don’t have the data, you’re throwing darts, you’re just guessing,” he quips.

“Connectivity is the most important piece,” McPhail adds. “It enables the foundation by which all of these other applications can consume the data and create value.

Easier said than done, though Memex Automation has hardware-software solutions to help — as do other companies exhibiting at IMTS 2014.

McPhail asserts that the solution his company provides can move equipment’s OEE from 32% to “world class at 85%–it’s almost like fining an additional factory and a half in capacity.”

But it’s not all just equipment and software; it’s also about how the solution empowers the workforce.

“Typically 5% to 10% of the improvement comes just from involving the shop floor with the top floor,” explains McPhail. “Having the operator being engaged… [and] part of the solution, rather than just pointing out there’s a problem. Having the operator be proactive and be able to effect change on the shop floor. We give them the tools to do that now.”

MEMEX - IMTS 2014 Interview

Interviewing Memex at IMTS 2014

Industry Week Magazine YouTube Channel – Sept 10, 2014 – Memex Automation CEO, David McPhail, talks about the productivity gains possible by tapping into industrial big data.

If you cannot see the video, please click here.