A new release of HxGN Smart Quality on-line quality data and measurement resource management software — an
enterprise IT solution designed to help manufacturers use aggregated quality data to gain actionable intelligence and
insight for process optimisation — has been announced by Telford-based Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (www.hexagonmi.com).

Providing a single platform for managing product quality and measurement resources, HxGN Smart Quality ‘homogenises’ data from disparate systems across multiple locations to offer a company-wide view of quality.

The latest release features OEE (overall equipment effectiveness)-like functionality for all machines connected to HxGN Smart Quality, so that manufacturers can assess and compare OEE using a standard metric.

Offering insight into both availability and performance, the software supports root-cause analysis for investigating anomalies on an individual piece of equipment in line with TPM (total productive maintenance) principles.

Improvements to the software’s document and work-flow management tool set enable manufacturers to build robust processes for measurement and minimise the risk of common operational errors.

The user interface has also been enhanced with an individually configurable dashboard, while user-friendly functions such as the ability to display part-mounting instructions within Hexagon’s Inspect software helps to simplify shopfloor operations.

HxGN Smart Quality’s statistical process control capabilities are boosted by the addition of Q-DAS monitoring, which enables near real-time visualisation of measurement and process data.

The software’s connectivity credentials are enhanced by the ability to interface with Heidenhain CNC controllers, offering new potential for data exchange with production equipment.