About Precision Oxycut
Oxycut have been in plate processing plants operation for over 50 years and are the largest steel cutting company in NSW. They have 3 plants in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne. Their largest premises are located approximately 25 km west of the Sydney CBD in Smithfield, with a floor space of about 5000sqm. They carry a wide range of plate grades and sizes and can deliver an extensive range of projects in short times.
We spoke to Simon Preston the Group General Manager about his experience with ZOOMFAB smart factory machine monitoring software. Simon has been in the manufacturing industry for over 20 years. Working with such companies as CSR, Visy Packaging and other high-pressure performing plants that desire highly efficient levels. He now manages several sites for Oxycut and it is this experience that drew him to look at ZOOMFAB to help with their efficiency standards.
Why did you install ZOOMFAB?
We have a mixture of old and new machinery. With the older machines we didn’t have the ability to monitor what is going on. We had no way of knowing what the old machines were doing so we needed software that can track all the machines for efficiencies and uptime.
How does ZOOMFAB help?
Managing several sites means that I have a lot on my plate. I am too busy to look at each individual machine. With Zoomfab I am able to gather all the data in the one place. The individual site managers can also look at their daily work activities which helps them determine any issues or possible problems with the machines and their operators.
ZOOMFAB takes away the guesswork.
ZOOMFAB helps us to analyse and question what is happening so there is no guessing anymore. For example, why has a machine been left idle or why an operator did a particular thing. We can question and analyse what has been going on.
Finding out what is really going on.
ZOOMFAB helps us to explain what is really happening. We can look at a machine and see what problems are apparent. We can then pinpoint where and when the problem happened. We can investigate by going back and looking at the camera footage to review what happened. For example, why was the machine down? What happened? Was it an operator error etc. ZOOMFAB helps in the investigation. It makes everyone accountable. More importantly It gives us the truth of what is going on.
Helping with our cutting machine process.
With the cutting machines the process is that the machines are being fed plates that are placed on the cutting beds. This process relies on the operator, so it is almost impossible to have the machines running at full efficiency. However, with the information we get from ZOOMFAB when it comes to the next plate waiting the operator can be more aware of what they can do to help in the process. Generally, the plates can be 9mtrs long and 2.4mtrs wide that are cut into many shapes and sizes. If the programmer is aware of the timing of the machines process, they can be more ready to put the next plate on the bed. The operator can locate their next plate and have it ready for the machine.
People manager
ZOOMFAB is a tool to help with managing people and their process. The machine can run at high efficiencies if the operator set the next plate on the bed before the first one is finished its autonomous functions. We now have more knowledge about what the operators are doing because ZOOMFAB gives us more information about downtime etc. We now use it as a part of our production meetings and we can decide things on the overall productivity.
How many sites do you have ZOOMFAB running?
We have 3 sites, Smithfield with 11 machines. Newcastle with 5 oxy cutting machines and Melbourne with 2 machines. All machines have ZOOMFAB monitoring them which gives a clear picture of how all the machines are running.
How does ZOOMFAB help you with multiple sites?
ZOOMFAB is web based which means anyone can access the information from anywhere. All sites can talk to each other and have the same information. In a sense it brings the company closer together and we can discuss efficiencies and learn from what each site team are doing. For me I can be anywhere in the world and still have my finger on the pulse and make decisions. This makes me more efficient and in control.
How did you find ZOOMFAB Australia?
They were great, they are so knowledgeable. It’s like this software is only as good as you use it. ZOOMFAB Australia helped us to understand its full potential. The best thing is that they are part of the manufacturing industry and have been for years. When you have an IT partner that knows your industry inside and out it’s like having another valuable team member.