Knowing where all your molds are, what they are doing and how much they are costing you to maintain can be a challenge, but the latest software and mobile apps aim to simplify the task.
MOLDTRAX
MoldTrax, which supplies the MoldTrax software system for tracking mold maintenance, repairs and history, recently launched Version 7 of the software, according to company President Steve Johnson.
MoldTrax SQ — the SQ stands for sequel — collects raw data and creates reports and charts to help users understand the true cost of the tool.
“MoldTrax SQ focuses on feeding data back to the user via the addition of many pie charts and graphs that quickly highlight problematic issues,” he said. “It also allows managers and repair technicians to create targets and set goals for defect reduction and production stoppage issues. Doing this will move repair shops from a firefighting mode to a more proactive culture.”
The technology presents data in digestible pie charts with titles such as “Top 10 mold stop reasons” and “Top 10 unscheduled mold stop reasons” over a period of time. Data can be used to create targets and goals for the toolroom manager and technicians.
MoldTrax SQ also offers:
• A “cycle count” field that automatically subtracts the previous run cycle count and enters it into a “production” cycle count field that is used in many reports. This eliminates the need for users to do math calculations with older cycle counters.
• A preventive maintenance (PM) reset button that allows users to instantly recalibrate PM frequency requirements, once again doing away with the need to do any math.
• An expanded hot-runner section that includes more fields for specific tooling component listings.
• A maintenance efficiency report that shows what molds are being worked on by which technicians, the degree of difficulty for maintaining each mold, along with labor hours and tooling used by specific technicians. This can help identify training opportunities for repair technicians.
• New mold performance reports that show maintenance and repair costs, including tooling and labor costs, per 100,000 cycles.
• Automatic calculation of total repair hours required during PM or a mold breakdown.
MoldTrax SQ carries a one-time cost of $7,495 for a facility license. There is no additional fee for multiple users. Users of previous versions of MoldTrax software are eligible for a discount based on the version of software they are using.
“MoldTrax was born on the bench and highlights mold and parts issues that cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars a year,” Johnson said. “MoldTrax puts your mold repair data in a historical context to allow your repair technicians to make more accurate troubleshooting decisions that will reduce the number of unscheduled stops. It provides the information you need to know to reduce costs and increase profits.”
TOOLSTATS
The ToolStats mobile app allows users to manage and share mold data from their smart phones or other mobile devices. Customers pay for the service per mold and receive an asset tag with a QR code to fasten to each mold.
The company releases new features quarterly, with some recent updates related to mold maintenance and repair. For example, when users log a mold maintenance activity, they now can send text or email alerts to other stakeholders in the supply chain.
Users scan the QR code to access a variety of data, including maintenance procedures and history, specifications, installation and process instructions, hours of use, current location and activity and schematic drawings. The mobile app can interface with software to have information automatically pushed or pulled into ToolStats.
“This is all app-based, so you don’t need to download or update software to use it,” said Sean Brolley, business development manager for ToolStats. “This was born out of the injection molding industry. It creates an interactive digital profile for the mold and allows users across the supply chain to input, track and share information that is updated in real time.”
Stakeholders who have access to the updates and the wealth of information provided by the app normally include the mold maker, the injection molder using the mold and the owner of the mold, which might be an OEM, Brolley said. Storage folders on the app now can be customized to meet specific needs. For example, files containing sensitive data might be password-protected so only approved users can access them.
The ToolStats app is free to download; ToolStats charges users based on a per-mold price or on a monthly or yearly fee, depending on the total number of molds being monitored, Brolley said.
In another recent update, ToolStats built all mold-maintenance guidelines into one section so customers can attach all documents, instructions, or any other file on how to maintain the mold.
“Users access the maintenance section by scanning the QR code on the mold,” Brolley said. “Any instructions related to maintenance are readily accessible and updateable through the app. Users can update information and mold maintenance history.” Another new feature in the maintenance section allows users to attach and view videos, including instructional or troubleshooting videos.
“If the mold was built in China, is running production in Mexico, and its owners are in Detroit, all the teams participating in the program can be notified immediately once an issue occurs. Notifications can include a summary of the problem, pictures and videos via our mobile app,” Brolley said. “The app can notify those stakeholders by email, a text message or an in-app notification.
“We want to enhance functionality of the app to bring more useful solutions to users. Many times, our updates come from user feedback,” he said. “If customers have needs, we work with them to create custom solutions.”
Bruce Adams, senior staff reporter
Contact:
MoldTrax,
Ashland, Ohio, 419-281-0790, www.moldtrax.com
ToolStats,
Ferndale, Mich., 586-408-9199, www.toolstats.com
