Integrated information system for order planning, control and cost estimation in laser job shops

Today, laser technology is being used more and more by small and medium sized job shops. Because of their specific company profile, commercially available systems for production, planning and control (PPC-systems) cannot be used. Therefore, a new information system is being developed. To meet the exact needs of laser job shops, six European small and medium sized enterprises (SME) were analysed. In this paper, the results from the survey are presented. Three fields for an optimised order fulfilment system were identified: order planning, order control and cost estimation. A new information system is outlined that provides functionality in these fields. An architecture for an integrated information system is proposed that allows the adaptation of new software modules to existing heterogeneous information systems.