The challenge of integration in production processes
In today’s industrial landscape, the integration of laser marking systems within production flows represents a crucial challenge for many companies. The need for traceability, automation and data collection requires software solutions that can effectively dialogue with existing business systems, going beyond the simple marking phase to become an integral part of the production process.
Laser markers are now essential tools in numerous industries, from foundry to automotive, from electronics to home appliances. However, their true effectiveness depends on their ability to integrate with broader management systems, enabling two-way communication between devices and enterprise information systems.
FLY MES: A bridge between laser marking and enterprise systems
To meet this need, LASIT has developed FLY MES, an innovative software that acts as an interface between laser marking systems and enterprise ERP/MES systems. This software complements FlyCAD, the CAD environment developed by LASIT for creating marking layouts, by extending its functionality with a view to enterprise integration.
FLY MES is not simply an addition, but a true management system that turns the laser marker into an information gathering point, similar to a supervisor PLC within the production line.
Main features of FLY MES:
- Operational flexibility: Offers three modes of operation to suit any production environment
- Full traceability: Monitors each marking operation, recording essential data such as order code, part number and quantity
- Two-way communication: Dialogue with both FlyCAD and enterprise systems via text file or SQL database
- Process automation: Automatically handles the loading of marking layouts and the population of dynamic fields
- Real-time supervision: Allows you to monitor the status of the laser system and record any errors
- Industry 4.0 compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with Industry 4.0 requirements and prepares companies for the transition to 5.0
How FLY MES Works
The software operates in three main modes, offering the flexibility to adapt to different production needs:
- Mode 1: The operator manually enters data (order code, product code, quantity) after loading the marking layout via FlyCAD.
- Mode 2: The system automatically receives data from a text file or SQL table produced by the factory system. This data includes the marking file, dynamic fields, order code, part number, and number of products to be marked.
- Mode 3: Enables advanced customization, allowing you to automatically load the marking drawing, use the order code as a dynamic field, and manage the part number as a variable element.
In all modes, FLY MES monitors the marking process, tracks the operations performed, and outputs SQL tables and CSV files that can be queried by enterprise systems.
A practical case of application
Take for example a company in the automotive industry that needs to mark die-cast aluminum components with unique DMC codes for traceability. With FLY MES, the company’s MES system communicates directly with the laser marker by sending the necessary information (part number, production batch, serial number).
The marker receives this information, automatically loads the correct layout, populates the dynamic fields with the received data, and starts the marking process. When finished, the system records the completed operation and makes it available to the enterprise MES system, which can then keep track of each marked component.
This scenario greatly simplifies the operator’s work, eliminates possible data entry errors and ensures complete traceability of the production process, a fundamental requirement in the automotive industry.
The benefits of integration with FLY MES.
The implementation of FLY MES brings numerous tangible benefits:
- Reduction of human errors: Automation of the data loading process minimizes the risk of input errors
- Increased productivity: Eliminates the downtime associated with manually setting up markings
- Full traceability: Records every operation with timestamps, allowing detailed analysis and audits
- Operational flexibility: Adapts to any workflow thanks to three operating modes
- Transition to Industry 4.0/5.0: Facilitates the integration of the laser marker within the digital manufacturing ecosystem
- Remote monitoring capability: Logging data into SQL databases enables analysis and monitoring even from remote locations
LASIT: Experience in the service of innovation
LASIT brings to FLY MES software all its experience in laser marking systems for the most demanding industries. In-depth knowledge of marking needs in various industries has enabled the development of a solution that effectively meets integration challenges.
Whether it is DMC marking on aluminum automotive components, traceability in the electronics industry, or customization in the home appliance industry, FLY MES offers the flexibility and reliability needed to transform the laser marker from a simple tool to a strategic component of the production chain.
FLY MES represents an advanced solution for integrating laser marking systems into modern production processes. Offering a bridge between the marking world and enterprise information systems, this software enables companies to get the most value from their LASIT laser markers, turning them into data collection points integrated into the production flow.
In an industrial context increasingly oriented toward digitization and automation, FLY MES stands as an enabler for the digital transformation of production processes, enabling companies to take a decisive step toward Industry 4.0 and preparing them for the future challenges of Industry 5.0.