Dataworks newsletter - 26th edition

Welcome to the 26th edition of our newsletter. In this issue: Dataworks complete their OEE Research Project and embark on two new Plant Monitoring and OEE Projects powered by Iconics. Outside of their core competency in Automation Dataworks have utilsed their leading edge software engineering skills to develop a product which offers hope for children with Autism.

Should you want to unsubscribe, simply click on the link provided at the end of the page and type "remove" as the subject.

Liam Curham, Technical Director of Dataworks has completed his OEE Research Project. The objective of the research was to determine the key business drivers in the Life Science industry behind Shop Floor Data Collection, Visualisation and Automation. Particular focus being placed on the role of OEE in the area of compliance, LEAN initiatives and cost reduction programs. The research findings are based on communications and meetings with more than 20 leading Life Science companies operating in Ireland. The findings confirm that OEE metrics are widely used in basic form, however, the use of these metrics is not typically well developed. OEE metrics are emerging as an important measurement for managers in the Life Science industry and is driven fundamentally by a desire to reduce cost. However complexity of implementation is seen as a barrier to the adoption and development of OEE metrics. To find out more detailed results please contact Liam Curham directly.

Continuing on from the success of two recent pilot projects for Multi-National clients, Dataworks have secured contracts to develop and deploy fully integrated Plant Monitoring and Engineering Information Systems which will provide real time downtime analysis, performance and efficiency data in a web enabled front end. The applications are being built using the Iconics product suite and will provide a real time score board to operations, engineering and management on the shop floor via a web interface and historical reporting via web reports. Both projects are similar in terms of bsiness drivers but are being deployed in completely different manafacturing sectors. The target completion for both projects (one of which will also be deployed internationally at a sister plant) is quarter 4 of '07.

On a completely different front Dataworks have developed a new educational software which has been hailed as an innovative development in the treatment of children with autism. Filtered Sound Training, a Dataworks product facilitates the delivery of Auditory Integrated Training (AIT), a programme which aims to correct the hypersensitivity to sound that some children with Autism experience. The package was developed in association with AIT practitioner Rosalie Seymour who has worked in Waterford for several years. For the past year Dataworks and Rosalie Seymour have worked closely together to develop a system which is tailored for parents and practioners of children with autism alike.

Size and cost are amoung the principal differences which Dataworks have added to this form of autism treatment. Until now the equipment used had been both bulky and heavy and far from practical when it came to transporting it. It also cost between €3000-4000 so it doesn't come cheap, however the Dataworks alternative costs just €600 and can be installed on a personal computer. The fruits of their collective labour were demonstrated at the products recent launch at Dooley's Hotel. Two versions of the programme have been developed-one for parents to use themselves as well as one for practitioners.

Dataworks has also donated three AIT machines to Ballygunner School.