Directly exporting key reports into Excel is the major highlight in the latest release of Javelin production control software from Gloucester-based Vero Software (www.verosoftware.com).

Previously, reports such as costings and valuation — or cost of sales — had to be imported into Excel via Crystal Reports.

However, with Javelin 2018 R1, when users create reports that include the job-cost sheet, cost of sales, stock valuation and work-in-progress — for example — there is now the option to export them directly to Excel.

As many customers are accounts-driven, Excel is their ‘go to’ tool, so this new function is a faster and more flexible way of transferring information from Javelin.

In total, there are around 25 items of new and enhanced functionality in the 2018 R1 edition of the software, including a revamped maintenance screen.

Here, information has been pulled from what were previously four screens into one overall maintenance screen, which is particularly useful for resolving ‘hung bookings’.

For example, if an incorrect quantity has been booked-in on the shopfloor, or if an operator starts or ends a job that has already been checked as complete, a warning shows on the screen and highlights the exact issue.

Continuing a process begun in 2017 R2, triggers are now available in the latest software for capturing all movement of data. For instance, if amendments are made to a works order, the trigger captures what has beenaltered, shows the old and new values, who carried it out, and the date and time.

This function needs to be switched on by a Javelin consultant, and it has now been extended to include works orders, materials, operations, sales order comments, purchase order comments, parts placed on hold, and new drawings.

Another new feature concerns the ‘item type defaults’ function, which eliminates the need to re-key information. When a part is being created it can be given an item type, which defaults a number of key part fields.

This has been extended in Javelin 2018 R1 to include data such as store location and component configuration. The company has also introduced variables and parameters that can be used for both configured and standard parts.

This enhancement means that a standard component can be created with these pre-loaded aspects, delivering time savings.