All advantages of the cloud for sheet metal

Darmstadt, October 22^nd, 2018 ­ – The first cloud platform for sheet metal processing is introduced by the IT expert Lantek at the 25^th EuroBLECH in Hanover – „Lantek 360“. And also the four new software tools running on this platform: Analytics, iQuoting, MetalShop and Control Panel.

Cloud computing is amongst the technologies with the highest innovation potential. Lantek, worldwide leading in software for sheet metal processing, now wants to tap these advantages for companies of all sizes in the industry. Cloud applications do not afford additional hardware or software and no IT personnel in the company itself, as Lantek and the cloud service provider ensure the availability and security of data. They can be used from everywhere over the internet which yields maximum flexibility for multi-plant operations and mobile working and at the same time offers the confidence to always work with the latest versions of the data. The service can be booked with a few clicks, likewise be canceled and is paid with a monthly or yearly fee.

According to the hybrid cloud concept data is further on generated and stored in the company. The processing takes place in the external network, for which the respective software automatically extracts the relevant parameters into the cloud. The safe transfer of data is guaranteed by the tool “Sherlock“, consisting of two parts. During their travel from “Sherlock Secure Connect“ on the company´s site to “Sherlock Cloud“ in the cloud and back coding techniques, communication isolation, key encryption and user authentication secure data against unauthorized access.

The cloud allows sheet metal companies to now outsource comprehensive computing power or even think about using it, because it won´t strain in-house systems and is now more easy to access. In this manner the cloud software “Lantek Analytics“ enables small and medium sized companies to do what so far only laborious and costly customized solutions of consulting companies were able to deliver: It is the first end-to-end solution for business analytics – with its two modules “Manufacturing Analytics“ and “Customer Analytics“. This software is customized to the production data originating in the Lantek software suite of the company. Each company can use it individually with its own KPI to automatically analyze all relevant parameters and answer specific questions for strategic decisions of the management or optimize production.

Precise calculation even without technical knowledge

The cloud-based tool for quoting “Lantek iQuoting“ enables its users to generate quotes and view customer data from everywhere anytime. The system connects the company´s MES and ERP and utilizes the data of the Lantek modules for nesting, production order management and operational management. Even users without technical knowledge are able to generate with it precise calculations in a minimum of time: The system automatically checks the availability of material and capacities and includes cost for material, production and transportation as well as individual customer tariffs in its calculation.

Lantek iQuoting enables another cloud based innovation: “Lantek MetalShop“ – the online shop for metal parts. Especially for contract manufacturers it provides an interesting opportunity to offer their customers an additional way for obtaining offers. At the virtual counter they can upload contours themselves and optionally view earlier orders and quotations. The system checks the parts and afterwards generates in cooperation with iQuoting the offer which is likewise confirmed online by the customer, before the system in the next step also generates the quotation.

“Lantek Control Panel“: Especially workshop managers will appreciate the advantages of the fourth innovation – in particular if their company produces assemblies in succeeding steps. The cloud based app enables them to always have a complete overview of the plant. It operates like a virtual dashboard on the smartphone or tablet. By means of feedback of the machines all processes and performance indicators can be viewed up-to-date. All production related processes like status of production, downtimes or breakdowns are displayed. Information on business activities like requests or new order confirmations can be viewed anytime in real time. And thanks to alerts those in charge can react faster in case of an emergency.

Experience the digital future at Lantek – from October 23rd to 26th, 2018, at the 25th EuroBLECH in Hanover: hall 12, stand A118.

About Lantek

Lantek is a multi-national company which leads the digital transformation of enterprises in the metal sector. Lantek offers individual software solutions for business manufacturing intelligence which enables the connection of companies to turn them into intelligent plants. To this end, Lantek develops CAD/CAM/MES/ERP software solutions for manufacturers of metal parts, tubes and profiles with various cutting (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, water jet, shear) and punching techniques.

Founded 1986 in the Basque region (Spain), one of the most important European centers for the development of machine tools, the company enables the integration of technologies for sheet metal and metal processing with state-of-the-art software for production management. Lantek is currently market leader in its sector, thanks to its innovation capability and consistent strategy for internationalization. With more than 20,000 customers in more than 100 countries and 20 offices of its own in 14 countries, the company has built an extensive network of distributors with global presence. In 2017 about 86 percent of the revenue were generated in international business.

Visit our website for further information: www.lantek.com  or ask for further details through: marketing@lanteksms.com