Cimco NC-Base 5

CNC Program Management

One of the most time-consuming jobs for a CNC programmer is management of their part programs and associated production documents. NC-Base makes that job easier and goes one step further. By providing programmers with an integrated and flexible search and editing tool they can work more efficiently and effectively.

When combined with DNC-Max the job is even easier. DNC-Max can automatically import data into NC-Base, including defining characteristics such as part number, description, operation, etc., making the programmer's job of reviewing and managing uploaded data less of a chore. For operators on the shop floor, a view only version of the NC-Base Client makes easy work of retrieving part programs and viewing production documents in a paperless environment.

Discrete part manufacturers, no matter what they machine, have to work with CNC programs - every one of them, whether the programs are generated by an in-house programming department or provided by vendors or third party programmers. Since the beginning CIMCO has focused on tools that help manufacturers manage, optimize, and distribute CNC programs.

Click here to see what's new in NC-Base v5

CAPABILITIES

Powerful SQL Database Engine capable of handling hundred of thousands of programs and their associated production files.
Comprehensive Search Functionality modeled after the standard Microsoft search tool but enhanced for CNC program searching.
Customizable Data Fields of up to nine (9) user-definable fields are available to categorize and manage programs the way the customer wants.
Production Document Management is provided where customers can associate all forms of production documents with their CNC programs including setup sheets, tool lists, memos, inspection notes, image files, etc. Includes integrated image viewing (for standard file types) and the ability to launch external applications and/or editors for viewing of proprietary or specialized file formats.
File Templates are provided for setup sheet, tool list, and memo. This feature automatically creates the files, based on templates you create in CIMCO Edit, MS Word, an HTML editor, etc.
Backup Controls provide flexible and configurable backup capabilities including backup single and multiple files, restore, and compare.
Approval Controls allow programmers to mark files as approved or unapproved thereby limiting access for communications. An approval queue also offers a quick tool for programmers to see which files, if any, are present in a queue to be reviewed for approval.
Version Controls allow programmers total control and flexibility over file versioning including the capability to compare updates with originals and in-process edits - and handle the changes accordingly.
Locking Controls allow programmers to lock files to control editing and communication access.
User/Group Management - Rights Controls are designed into NC-Base allowing you to limit access and control what each individual user or group is able to work with inside the NC-Base Client.
Machine Groups allows administrators to create groups for machines/ports for association with part programs. Works with CIMCO Edit Professional.
DNC Communication using CIMCO Edit or DNC-Max. Users are then able to initiate 'send' transfers from within the NC-Base Client interface.
Automated Import eliminates the need for programmers to manually input programs during the initial installation or as programs are created inside CIMCO Edit or auto-received from DNC-Max.
Integrated Interface Inside CIMCO Edit allowing customers to work within one environment for both editing and managing their CNC programs and associated documents.

EXTENDED CAPABILITIES

Integration with CNC communications is critical for full CNC program management. NC-Base has that covered with two powerful capabilities:

Ethernet (Networked) Control Support includes support for auto-import of programs into NC-Base when saved off from networked (TCP/IP, etc.) CNC controls
Seamless Integration with DNC-Max is available, extending the capabilities of both systems for the most advanced, automated file management anywhere

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: NC-Base is defined as a CNC program management tool. Could NC-Base be utilized as a Job Management tool, for customers looking for a paperless shop floor system?

A: Yes. Because of the flexibility of NC-Base in its current form it may be utilized many different ways. For a 'job-based' system the customer would simply define a Job Number field in NC-Base Client Setup. The capabilities are there to store user definable information such as Job Number, Operation, Revision, Cycle Time (EST), Quantity Required, etc.

NOTE: Job Management requires reporting to be truly effective. Since no reporting is currently available in NC-Base the system is most effective for program management. Ultimately, NC-Base is all about the programs, part programs.

Q: Is integration with other database applications possible with NC-Base?

A: Yes and No. Yes, as an SQL based system it is possible to interface and/or integrate with other database systems and applications. However, asking this question is sort of like asking if you can load software on a PC. The answer is yes, but what exactly do you want to accomplish? The answer is also no, again depending on what you want to accomplish. If you have any doubt, call us. We would be happy to discuss your ideas to determine if integration makes sense. NC-Base does support ORACLE and may be integrated with other DBMS's. Call to discuss your application requirements.

EVALUATING CIMCO NC-BASE

If you are interested in evaluating NC-Base click on the evaluation download link on the right. NC-Base is installed with the same installation routine for DNC-Max (as 95% of our European customers utilize both). If you do not wish to install DNC-Max simply uncheck the box for DNC-Max Server and DNC-Max Client when prompted in the installation wizard and check CIMCO Edit (required for the NC-Base Client) and NC-Base.

Click here to see what's new in NC-Base v5

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