Above: Lantek Integra is an ERP software platform with a suite of modules for industrial companies like sheet metal operators
August, 2024- From quoting to nesting and from cutting to analytics, Lantek Systems Inc. offers a suite of software solutions to support sheet metal processors.
“Customers want to automate as much as possible. So, there is a need to program as much as possible into the machines and streamline communications between departments,” explains Laura Santamaria, Lantek project manager. “The industry needed a different approach.”
And that’s where the latest suite of software from Lantek fits in. The suite features Lantek Integra, an ERP software platform for industrial companies. Within this ERP system is Quote, which provides estimators with immediate access to process and machine data along with all customer information. Lantek Quote does not require advanced expertise in design or nesting and allows for easy generation of cost estimates. The quote module calculates costs associated with each assembly, part and process, taking into consideration the geometry, material, thickness and associated operations. Lantek Quote can also calculate costs for downstream processes like bending, painting, welding and assembly.
“Many job shops are using complex Excel spreadsheet templates for job time and cost estimations. This can be simplified by incorporating custom formulae within Lantek Quote,” says Santamaria.
Top: Lantek Quote takes into consideration the geometry, material, thickness and associated operations when calculating costs. Bottom: Lantek Quote is fully integrated with Lantek CAD/CAM nesting software and automates the nesting process.
CLICK AND CONVERT
Once the quote has been approved, with one click the details in Lantek Quote are converted into a project order and communicated with the manufacturing, purchasing and sales teams. “With the integrated suite, there is no copy-and-paste or reentry of data needed— that’s all automated. This helps customers reduce the time required for repetitive tasks that don’t add value to the bottom line. The employee is freed up to focus on other critical functions,” notes Santamaria, who works out of the company’s headquarters in Spain. Lantek’s North American office is in Mason, Ohio.
“For sheet metal operators, one of the first steps in the process is cutting. Some customers have a special team dedicated to manually calculating the best way to cut parts with minimum usage of material,” says Santamaria. Lantek Quote is fully integrated with Lantek CAD/CAM nesting software. The system automates the nesting process, taking into account the cutting times for each part included in the nest.
“By automating the nesting process, operators can reduce tool time, material cost and scrap,” adds Santamaria. Lantek’s software enables multipart nesting and takes into account the values specified in machine configuration.
Once the nesting programming is complete, lantek's integrated software automatically programs the machines to cut the sheet metal.
CRM MODULE
At the completion of a project, details are transferred to Lantek’s CRM module, which manages the traceability of all customer activities including sales orders, delivery notes and invoices. “If there is a quality issue with a part, the software can track the machine, equipment operator, material supplier and other details to get to the root cause,” says Santamaria.
The module also provides a graphic visualization and analysis of all customer contact and sales data, including credit risk. The system retains a record of all quotes generated for easy retrieval and modification for future quotes. The software suite is able to connect to different kinds of servers and is compatible with a number of financial software providers like QuickBooks and others.
“In the event the Lantek system doesn’t have third-party connectivity, our team of programmers can help integrate the system aiding in exporting and importing of the needed data,” states Santamaria.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Global companies with multiple locations can benefit from the Lantek suite of software as easily as single-location operators do. “The core quoting, nesting and cutting information remains the same. But our software can change the user interface to accommodate the local language, unit of measurement and currency as well as any governmental rules and regulations,” Santamaria says. Lantek’s software suite allows for flexibility at the local level. “We recognize that every plant has special requirements and that headquarters needs an overview of these differences. Leadership must be able to manage operations on a whole, as well as by the plant,” says Santamaria.
ANALYTICS
Integrated into its suite of software is Lantek Analytics, a family of products that provide access to an operator’s information reliably and in real time. “Our Analytics product helps leadership analyze their data across the enterprise,” says Santamaria. Analytics can give insights into the performance of each machine, an individual line or a factory/location. Further analysis can also be run by customer or sales channel.
“Every sheet metal operator has their own business problems, goals and strategic plans. Lantek consults with customers to align our soft customer 's warecustomers solutions with the companies’ plans. Our software becomes a key part of the business ecosystem,” reports Santamaria.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Lantek suite solutions include comprehensive customer support from project initiation to training and implementation. “We hold a kickoff meeting with the customer to ensure expectations are addressed in the scope of the project,” explains Santamaria. This phase includes defining the timeline and making accommodations for adjustments to the factory floor, new machinery installation, etc. Depending on the customer needs, implementation can be via online or in person. Lantek personnel are generally available for a week to help ensure a smooth rollout.
“We are always available to help the customer with additional questions to ensure their suite is optimizing operations and data analytics,” notes Santamaria.
Lantek Systems, Inc., 877/805-1028, http://lantek.com/
