In batch processing, plants mix discrete quantities of chemicals to yield a desired compound. The process is completed on a relatively small scale and often requires multiple steps. Batch manufacturers can produce hundreds of different compounds in a single year, making it difficult to keep track of individual recipes and ensure overall product quality.
Two recent software introductions aim to help batch manufacturers gain a better handle of their processes.
Tie Production to Financial Data
Written in the Platinum for Windows (PFW) toolset, Batchmaster for PFW software ties production information directly into the customer's financial data. Best Software, Irvine, Calif., purchased the product from eWorkplace, an Irvine, Calif.-based developer of manufacturing and e-commerce solutions, in early 2002.
BatchMaster for PFW's capabilities include material requirements planning, purchasing, inventory, lab analysis, formulating, costing, production quality control, government compliance, sales order entry, bills of lading and a full range of integrated financial functions. The application also can track and test product quality in real time ," a capability the company says is seldom found in other process manufacturing software offerings.
The software also performs complete lot tracking of inventory items, including material and product expiration dates, quarantine dates, quality control status and lot strength factor.
The new version of the software, release 5.01, became available just last month. It includes two new chemical processing enhancements ," a labeling module and Internet capabilities.
The Labeling Module will enable users to customize product labels. In the past, label contents were generated automatically by the formula. New Internet capabilities will allow customers to enter, change and monitor their orders online 24 hours a day, seven days per week, via the vendor's Web site.
"With the addition of BatchMaster for PFW to our product offerings, process manufacturers now have a complete solution that ties production and financial information together, giving managers deeper insights into their business," says David Butler, president and chief operating officer, Best Software Mid-Market Division. "Armed with insights, managers can more closely control key business functions, resulting in higher levels of efficiency, greater profitability and lower over head costs."
Best Software Inc., Irvine, Calif. Web site: www.bestsoftware.com; e-mail: [email protected].
