The new system has 5 elements, Automatic Line Control, Errors Handling, Integration into Legacy Systems, Instructions to the Weld Cells and Barcoded Logistics.  The system receives instructions from the main factory, verifies this signal and then produces bar coded labels which detail the specific parts that needs to be produced by the robot controlled weld cells.

Blue Fountain appointed Maxim Computer Services www.maximcomputer.co.uk to provide the printing and scanning hardware together with associated services.  BFS also worked along side Futaba's appointed specialists, Fern Engineering Services Ltd.,  to create the bar coded interface which Fern Engineering use to drive the welding robots. 

From a technical point - all data is written into PostgreSQL, a database that is quick and flexible ensuring that data can be stored reliably and reported back on easily. Python handles all incoming signals with core signal verification and processing.  Python also allows all information entering the system to be exported both to users (within Excel or to compatible spreadsheet formats) and/or to external systems using industry standard EDI technology.  Plone is used for both maintenance and reporting functions to provide an easy to use interface for staff members.  The use of a web browser interface means that the system can be operated from any terminal within the office and monitored off site if necessary.

The contract which is valued at £250k went live on schedule in August 2005.

“This is BFS’s second sequence application to go live.  It is anticipated that it will handle several million transactions using robust, reliable and secure open source technologies” commented Aidan McGuire, BFS Sales Director