mobile version of Henning’s Visual EstiTrack software. “People are carrying around smart devices these days that have bar- code scanning capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity.” Users can scan a pallet of parts and immediately know
everything about it, with the ability to send a message to the inventory system. “We’re now putting together a set of applications that sit up above our ERP systems. It’s another big trend, and these are typically Web-based applications for the iPhone and iPad,” Henning says. “There’s no question that what people want is to have their fi ngers on the pulse of what’s going on. In my mind, as a developer, this is where things are go- ing. All the new kids coming into the business, they want to run everything by their phone.” This new class of applications
will include touch-fi rst interfaces for mobile devices, he adds, noting the touch-based Windows 8, scheduled to debut this fall, will feature so-called Metro-style apps. “This Windows 8 is so different than any other,” Henning says, noting the system’s touch and gesture-based capabilities.” Paperless systems are attractive to
customers attempting to eliminate man- ual steps, notes Dave Lechleitner, senior solutions engineer, Exact Software North America (Minneapolis), developer of Job- BOSS ERP software. “The big buzzword is talking as much as we can directly to the machine controls,” Lechleitner notes of Exact JobBOSS customers, many of which are in the metal fabrication area. “We fi nd the old traditional way of the black box is still in play.” About fi ve years ago, the shift was toward more PCs, but the latest move is toward paperless systems and wider use of handhelds, he notes. The company has offered its Data Collection Mobile Solutions for some time, but “to be quite
honest, the adoption was negligible,” he adds. “In the last six months to a year, there has been a shift. One customer using an an iPad built their own ruggedized case, and others are using more smartphones and tablets.”
Introducing at IMTS 2012 g S
Shown for the first time in North America, this impressive modular 6-axis machining center features Advanced Parallel Kinematics Technology. Add Hydromat booth # S-8348 to your IMTS show schedule today.
Modular PKM 6-Axis Machine 800mm Rotary Table with Zero Point Clamping System Four Tripod Sizes Available: 300, 500, 700, and 900 Multi-Position Toolchanger – 40 or 80 Tool Pockets Powerful Motor Spindle: 18,000 RPM, 23kw