Production Control and Monitoring

In addition to production planning, a manufacturing information system also covers the execution of the plan. At OLC Systems, we aim to ensure that machine operators work in the same way in different parts of the world, even though production technologies naturally vary. This approach also has a financial benefit, as the main manufacturing information system is identical for all factories worldwide, reducing development and support costs.

At present, our information system supports four different types of production. In all cases, the modules prepare data for further processing, fully masking the complexity of production behind their user interface.

We cover the complete production lifecycle—from planning and stocking the necessary raw materials, through communication with individual machines or scales, to evaluating the production process and dispatching finished products. An important part of the system includes various corrective mechanisms capable of responding to abnormal production conditions. The software runs directly on the production line station.

Example production process:

1. A customer order is received and entered into the system.
2. The planner schedules the order into the production plan.
3. Production checks its own schedule and begins the steps necessary for manufacturing.
4. The operator verifies all required inputs for starting production and switches the interface into “online” mode.
5. The machine operator checks the machine status and selects the loaded positions from the “online” mode. This action loads the production PLC program into the machine via the information system interface.
6. Immediately after each individual production batch is manufactured, it is marked in the information system, and the production curves and parameters are updated.
7. From the incoming batches, the information system generates a production plan that accurately reflects both the processing time of each order and the preparation time required.
8. Batches are grouped into boxes, representing packaging units.
9. After laboratory tests, the boxes (groups of batches) are prepared for dispatch.
10. Dispatch is carried out using a delivery note. The warehouse worker uses a smart barcode scanner or RFID chips to assign boxes for shipment.