Fabtrol Systems continues its commitment to integration with supply chain partners

In today's fast-moving global economy, fabricators' ability to move quickly and communicate effectively with supply chain partners are keys to success. Whether integrating with detailing, plate nesting, or service center software, or with bar coding and CNC software and hardware, FabTrol MRP's interoperability helps fabricators shorten project schedules, reduce costs, and make accurate, on-time deliveries to the job site.

With its introduction of FabTrol MRP Version 3.0 in 2009, and FabTrol MRP Version 3.3 in April 2010, FabTrol Systems demonstrates its continued commitment to helping FabTrol MRP communicate electronically with key hardware and software in the steel fabrication supply chain.

Existing and newly augmented interoperability features and functionality designed to support typical steel fabrication workflow include:

• 3D model data imports: import the bill of material, field bolts, part and assembly drawings and CNC data.
• Trouble free drawing imports with the new Detailer Export: fabricators export their material definitions and translation tables for detailers who run FabTrol MRP; detailers interested in providing clients with quick turn-around and trouble free imports check their model data against the fabricator's material definitions before sending drawings and revisions.
• Round trip communication with plate nesting software: manage multiple cut lists organized by sequence, lot or batch; export shaped and rectangular parts to plate nesting software; import the nesting software's solution back into FabTrol MRP; import plates that need to be purchased onto a PO; report on material traceability down to the part level.
• Streamlined material quotes with the Electronic Steel Inquiry: export material requirements for a project (nest results and part details) in a format compatible with service center software.
• Automated roundtrip communication with CNC controllers for shop equipment like beam lines and clip angle lines: one-click export includes all routing, CNC, and nesting data for a production batch; automatic placement of files in appropriate folders for the controller that drives each machine; automatic status update of parts in real time based on electronic feedback from the CNC controller.
• Advanced Data Capture for production, QC and shipping: use bar code transactions to update production status in non-CNC work areas; to update inspection status; and to create loads and capture loading progress.
• 3D model updates with purchasing, production and shipping status: easily package and export material, production, and shipping status for display in the 3D model.

When FabTrol software was introduced to the steel fabrication industry over 25 years ago, it set a new standard in the project estimating arena. By the late 1990s, it was the market-leading fabrication management solution, providing integrated, seamless data flow within FabTrol MRP from project startup, material management, and production control through to shipping. Progressive fabricators who made the move to FabTrol MRP quickly experienced the benefits of improved project management and access to reliable data on which to base bids, purchasing, and production and shipment planning.

Today, as in the past, FabTrol continues its commitment to enhancing supply chain communication with ongoing investment in seamless data exchange between FabTrol MRP and other software and hardware providers.