-
MTI Systems Integrates Costimator JS With Exact JobBOSS
-
10/16/2007
MTI Systems Integrates Costimator JS With Exact JobBOSS
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
Integration of Costimator® JS and JobBOSS® will provide shop owners with more versatility and increased productivity
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA (May 3, 2006) – MTI Systems, the leading provider of innovative cost estimating software solutions for manufacturing, today announced that it has integrated its flagship product, Costimator JS with JobBOSS, an industry-leading shop management software for job shops. To enhance the integration and provide added customer value, MTI Systems for a limited time will also provide a free Costimator JS seat to JobBOSS users.
Costimator JS provides job shops with a fast, accurate, and consistent method to estimate cycle times and costs for quoting purposes, enabling them to bid with confidence and optimize their ability to win profitable contracts. JobBOSS, developed by Exact Software, is one of the most widely used shop management software solutions worldwide. The integration of these two leading software applications provides users with more versatility, increased productivity, and significant cost savings.
“Costimator JS seamlessly exports critical data, such as machine cycle times, labor costs, and material usage directly into JobBOSS,” said Mr. David LaJoie, VP of Sales for MTI Systems. “This functionality enables shops to quote jobs with a high degree of accuracy, precisely manage their material inventory and schedule shop floor activities. The integration of these two critical software applications eliminates the need for double data entry, reducing costly errors and labor expenses related to manual data entry.”
MTI Systems will provide further customer value through a free software offer, with an aggressive program to provide JobBOSS users a free seat of Costimator JS. The offer is available through July 31, 2006, is limited to one software seat per company and requires the purchase of training and support.
“Exact Software is excited to team up with MTI Systems on this project. We continue to be committed to finding third-party software solutions that bring real value to our customers,” said Steve Massey, general manager for Exact JobBOSS. “The integration of JobBOSS and Costimator JS will provide key benefits to our customers, including the ability to significantly improve the speed, accuracy and consistency of their cost estimating.”
-
MTI Systems Forms New Cost Estimating Services Division
-
10/16/2007
MTI Systems Forms New Cost Estimating Services Division
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
Service helps manufacturing organizations identify cost savings throughout the product lifecycle
W. Springfield, Massachusetts U.S.A. (June 26, 2006) – MTI Systems, the leading provider of cost estimating software solutions for manufacturing, today announced the formation of a new division called ShouldCost Estimating Services (SES). The group will provide part cost estimating services for mid-to-large sized manufacturing organizations.
SES comprises a team of cost engineering experts with over 100 years of manufacturing and cost estimating experience. SES engineers utilize MTI Systems’ industry leading cost estimating program, Costimator® OEM, to explore different methods of manufacturing parts through alternative processes, materials and machinery. The detailed cost data the service provides allows manufacturing companies to identify cost reduction opportunities throughout the product development lifecycle, from design to procurement.
“MTI Systems has been performing cost estimating services for OEM’s on a per request basis for the past 24 years," stated Mr. David LaJoie, VP of Sales for MTI Systems. “The demand for this type of outsourced service has increased dramatically over the past few years as manufacturing companies continue to trim their engineering staffing levels. While the need for these organizations to keep costs down has never been greater, the expertise and time required to perform cost analysis in-house has reached a low point. Our many years of cost estimating experience, both from a product (Costimator OEM) and service standpoint, provides a unique combination that satisfies an ever growing need for these organizations.”
Costimator OEM contains the world’s most comprehensive database of raw materials, work center and process cost models. The software has over 2,400 different work centers that cover hundreds of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining and plastic injection molding. Each work center comes loaded with average labor and shop rates for over a dozen countries, including the U.S., Mexico and China.
The key benefits of using SES include:
Part cost reduction throughout product design, manufacturing and procurement.
State-of-the-art costing platform in Costimator OEM.
Low start-up costs.
Easy to implement and maintain.
Minimal IT requirements.
Proven company with 24 years experience in cost estimating.
High return on investment.
-
Costimator JS Integrates With E2 Shop System
-
10/16/2007
Costimator JS Integrates With E2 Shop System
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA (August 21, 2006) – MTI Systems, the leading provider of innovative cost estimating software solutions for manufacturing, today announced that it has integrated its flagship product, Costimator JS with Shoptech Software's E2 shop system. MTI Systems is also offering E2 users a free license of Costimator JS.
Costimator JS provides job shops with a fast, accurate, and consistent method to estimate cycle times and costs for quoting purposes, enabling them to bid with confidence and optimize their ability to win profitable contracts. E2 is one of the industries top ERP business solutions for small to mid-market manufacturers. The integration of these two leading software applications provides E2 users with a more accurate, consistent method of quoting.
"E2 pulls in the cost estimating data created within Costimator JS with a push of the button.” said Mr. David LaJoie, VP of Sales for MTI Systems. "This eliminates the need for double entry, saving time and money."
MTI Systems will provide further customer value through a free software offer, with an aggressive program to provide E2 users a free seat of Costimator JS. The offer is available through October 31, 2006, is limited to one software seat per company and requires the purchase of training and support.
"Shoptech Software is committed to providing value added solutions to our customer base. MTI Systems is definitely in that "Best of Class" breed of software for providing fast, accurate cost estimating." said Paul Ventura, vice president of marketing for Shoptech Software.
-
Cost Estimating System Boosts Efficiency And Profits
-
10/16/2007
Cost Estimating System Boosts Efficiency And Profits
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
Modern Applications News
August, 2006
A Texas-based precision machine shop responds to about 150 RFQs a week with many customers demanding a response in two to three days. A computer-aided cost estimating system has increased speed by 50% – 80% (versus manual), boosting the company's ability to respond and its chances of winning jobs.
At Carroll Machine Works (Pasadena, TX), the ability to produce cost estimates quickly and accurately is a matter of survival. To win jobs from customers that include NASA, aerospace companies and a variety of petrochemical, oilfield and gas industries, a precision machine shop must respond to an average of 150 customer RFQs per week.
"We pretty much live and die by our quotes down here, competing for every job," says Carroll Machine Works' (CMW) owner and chief estimator, Wayne Carroll. "Some parts cost $10,000 or more. We had better be estimating accurately, or we lose, big time."
Realizing that manual cost estimating methods couldn’t match the incoming stream of RFQs – many with deadlines of two and three days – Carroll turned to a customized spreadsheet. The program helped the company to profit on 60% of its orders, while breaking even or losing money on 40%. Although profitable, the system didn’t satisfy Carroll.
After reviewing computer-aided cost estimating options, he purchased the Costimator System by MTI Systems, Inc. (W. Springfield, MA). The program includes a comprehensive database of proven manufacturing data and knowledge gleaned from a variety of sources.
Bidding With Confidence:
Carroll says that the Costimator virtually eliminated "losers," jobs that cost more than estimated. The system’s speed – 50% to 80% faster than detailed manual estimating – also boosted estimating department output. The Costimator paid for itself in months, adds Carrol, who has tailored the system’s standards and machine times.
The company feels that it can now bid jobs with total confidence. "When customers come back and tell me they can get a better deal on a part from someone else, it's a lot easier to resist the temptation to re-bid the job lower," Carroll explains. He adds that machine times generated within the Costimator routings are electronically transferred to the shop's scheduling software, improving the management system's accuracy and further increasing company efficiency.
The Costimator enables Carroll – who is chief cost estimator – to spend more time on the shop floor resolving production issues. He plans to train others on this system and spend more time on manufacturing management. Employees with basic machining and estimating knowledge can quote accurately with this solution, he says.
Delivering Fast Estimates:
Carroll describes quoting a 10-1/4" x 10-1/4" x 3-1/2" titanium part for a NASA contract to illustrate the high-stakes estimating process. Cutter paths totaled more than 1,500". "The part had seven irregular pockets, multiple bolt holes, an irregular fin configuration and other features that were very tough to machine," he says. "Just one operation had 20 separate features – 16 of these were pocket milling. It would have taken me a day and a half to quote if I were estimating manually – and that still would feel like a stab in the dark."
Using the Costimator, Carroll quoted the part in an afternoon, well in advance of a 48-hour deadline. Scanning the part drawing into the program, he created a raster pcx file. He then built his estimate, designating a Tree 1260 CNC machining center, choosing each operation and designating tool material and size for the various elements of each operation. Speeds and feeds for Carroll's tooling choices, calibrated to machine titanium, appeared in the on-screen estimate. As he measured dimensions and tool paths of the machining operations (by tracing his cursor over the on-screen drawing), the Costimator calculated machine time and cost. The program automatically allowed for labor rates, personal fatigue and delay and tool wear. The program also listed the times for inspection operations, as well as fixturing costs.
When all data had been entered, the Costimator produced an itemized estimate, process plan and routing. The total manufacturing cost per part was more than $11,000.
While Carroll tried other options, substituting certain tooling and manufacturing operations, the system automatically adjusted the quote's time and cost. He determined that by drilling pockets with an indexable, insertable drill prior to endmill operations (as opposed to removing all material with an endmill), manufacturing would cost about $1,200 less per part.
"When a customer sends us a part drawing, we can make an estimate with the Costimator, play ‘what if' and make appropriate recommendations on material and design," Carroll says. "We can show how engineering changes will affect cost. We are supportive as possible, acting almost like consultants. Customers come to rely on us for advice."
The Costimator formulates reports with detailed overviews of different manufacturing options. Currently working out of his own office, Carroll plans to take the system on-site in a laptop and produce process plans, routings and quotes for customers in their offices.
"A customer calls to talk about a part that would take him an hour to process plan and cost out," adds Carroll. "I can take information over the phone and produce a new estimate for him in just 10 minutes. That kind of speed, combined with the reliability of a computerized quote and personalized service to individual customers, makes the Costimator an important member of our sales team."
-
MTI Systems Celebrates 25 Years of Innovative Cost Estimating for Manufacturing
-
10/16/2007
MTI Systems Celebrates 25 Years of Innovative Cost Estimating for Manufacturing
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
The software company will give away 25 Costimator® Systems to mark the occasion.
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA USA (January 2, 2007) – 2007 marks the 25th year of operation for MTI Systems Inc., the leading provider of innovative cost estimating software solutions for manufacturing. To commemorate the event, beginning January 2, MTI will award the first 25 requests for a FREE seat of their Costimator® OEM or Costimator® JS software systems. The offer is limited to one software seat per company and only requires the purchase of one year of support.
Founded in 1982 as Manufacturers Technologies, the company pioneered the development of a PC-based cost-estimating program and quickly became known for its “Costimator®” Computer-Aided Cost Estimating System. Costimator's comprehensive database of manufacturing process cost models, material specifications and labor standards help users to increase estimating speed, accuracy and consistency, boosting efficiency and profits.
In 1991 the company changed its name to MTI Systems to reflect a new level of products and services that supported multiple manufacturing areas, from the shop floor to manufacturing management. In 2002, they introduced two special-enhanced versions of Costimator-- Costimator OEM and Costimator JS. Costimator OEM provides Original Equipment Manufacturers with the knowledge they need to identify and understand the cost drivers in parts they design, manufacture, and procure. The software allows them to determine the actual cost of manufacturing a part, proven to help reduce costs by as much as 50%. Costimator JS provides job shops with a fast, accurate, and consistent method to estimate cycle times and costs for quoting purposes. This enables them to bid with confidence and optimize their ability to win profitable contracts.
In 2006, MTI Systems formed a new division called ShouldCost Estimating Services (SES). The division was created to meet the ever-increasing demand for outsourced cost engineering services by OEMs. MTI engineers, utilizing their extensive costing expertise and the company’s Costimator OEM software, provide detailed part cost analysis that identifies cost reduction opportunities throughout the product development lifecycle.
Today MTI Systems has thousands of users worldwide, including many Fortune 500 companies. Their customers produce products in nearly every industry sector, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, heavy equipment, medical and consumer products.
"We are proud of our history of providing innovative cost-estimating solutions for industry," said Mr. Tom Charkiewicz, founder and CEO of MTI Systems. “Looking forward, we will continue to focus our efforts on developing new products and services to meet today’s ever-increasing need for effective cost reduction strategies.”
-
Getting Estimates Right the First Time
-
10/16/2007
Getting Estimates Right the First Time
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
Modern Applications News
MAY, 2007
Responding to requests for quotes with manual estimates was costing a shop specializing in high-tech jobs profits with under-bids. Moving to a cost-estimating system not only made their bids closer to actual costs, but offered customer benefits as well.
Despite job estimating experience, Northeast Manufacturing, Inc., Stoneham, MA, found it would sometimes contract for a job that became a “loser,” not hitting profitability estimates. It turned to a cost-estimating software and found it not only decreased its losing-job rate, but the application had other benefits as well.
In 1951, when Boston’s aerospace and high tech manufacturing sectors were in their infancy, Harvey Lobdell moved a few second-hand metalworking machines into the basement of his suburban home and founded Northeast Manufacturing. Since then, the company has grown into one of the region’s leading contract machine shops.
The 9/11 Slump:
The company thrives by guaranteeing quality and aggressively cultivating new customers in emerging fields. The firm met the general economic and manufacturing slump that came on the heels of the September 11 attack with fast and accurate cost estimating.
“Since 9/11, it seems like there is half as much business out there, and it’s twice as competitive to win it,” Chris Lobdell, the company president, said.
With making contract bids that promised profits, it was crucial for the company to improve its estimating. Northeast relies on its Costimator Computer–Aided Cost Estimating System to produce accurate bids to compete and win.
The company specializes in aerospace part production as well as electronic communications equipment, scientific measurement devices, and medical manufacturing, such as cranial and spinal implants.
Company estimators respond to requests for quotes for one-off items such as prototypes, parts manufactured in 5,000 piece lots, some with year-long, just-in-time schedules.
Aggressive – And Accurate – Bids:
“We don’t want to lose any business, so we bid aggressively,” Lobdell said. “At the same time, we don’t want to misquote a job, underbid it, and just break even or lose money. Costimator helps eliminate underbids and gives us a handle on manufacturing costs.”
The estimating system is from MTI Systems, Inc., Springfield, MA.
Using Costimator and online material pricing options, estimators quickly generate what-if scenarios for manufacturing, tooling options, and identifying the fastest and least-expensive processes.
Northeast turns around many of its quotes in an hour or less. RFQs for complex parts that require high-tolerance machining operations – often machined from titanium, exotic stainless steels, or expensive materials – are frequently processed within the standard customer-required three-day deadline.
The latest versions of the Costimator system are written in C++, operate in Windows, and are Open Database Compliant.
Northeast engineers, after their training for the software, input machine times and labor standards into the system’s database. Fine-tuning the database is an ongoing process to reflect new tooling and first-time jobs.
“We modify our database as we go along, adding new machine times and standards as well as adjusting data as needed,” Charlie Masterson, Northeast Manufacturing’s chief cost estimator, said.
An Added Benefit:
Lobdell said the system provides fast and accurate job quotes for manufacturing parts on his company’s CNC machining centers. It also provides benefits beyond cost estimating: Costimator’s process plans, routings, and other reports support customer service and sales. The manufacturing times created on Costimator feed into Northeast’s Made2Manage management software, improving shop floor scheduling.
“We want to win jobs, but we need to be sure our quotes are on the money,” Lobdell said. “If we win a large job that costs more than we estimated, we could lose money. Costimator’s accuracy lets us bid with confidence.”
Prior to the purchase of the system, about 40 percent of the company’s estimates –produced by manual methods – were less profitable than estimated. Costimator estimates for Northeast are within about five percent of manufacturing cost.
The computerized system helps estimators improve profitability in other ways. They can weed out RFQs with attached target prices that translate into minimal profits.
In instances when customers return after an initial quote by Northeast and ask for a lower “best and final” bid, estimators refer to their detailed cost estimates and have the confidence to decline making another estimate, Lobdell said.
Not More Jobs, More Profitable Ones:
Success at Northeast is not winning more jobs, but winning profitable jobs completed on schedule.
Many of Northeast’s customers shop for more than low prices: they are looking for a shop they can trust and offer them help, cost-estimator Masterson said.
Design engineers don’t always understand all the costs associated with machining, he said, so he uses the estimating system’s what-if feature to check for less expensive designs and manufacturing methods. He then recommends the changes to customers. This sets the shop apart from competitors, Masterson said.
An example was a laser equipment part that flew on the space shuttle.
“By doing a what-if, I was able to suggest changes that let us use a 3/4" endmill, instead of a 1/4",” Masterson said. “That increased our cutting efficiency and reduced machine time. We also proposed changes in corner design to reduce setup time and use less-expensive brackets.”
The Costimator-suggested alternatives cut the estimated manufacturing cost of $50,000 in half, Masterson said. The company won the bid with the suggested changes. Costimator also helped Northeast win more business in an emerging medical equipment sector, a now vital area of the company’s customer base. These manufacturers regularly put out RFQs on new products and parts.
“They give us a design, then we can tell them what it will cost and show them some configuration changes that will save them money.”
-
MTI Systems and Profitkey Form Strategic Partnership
-
10/16/2007
MTI Systems and Profitkey Form Strategic Partnership
10/16/2007
Provided By
MTI Systems, Inc.
MTI Systems' Costimator JS Software embedded into ProfitKey's ERP package, providing manufacturing customers a complete end-to-end solution.
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA (September 4, 2007) – MTI Systems, the leading provider of innovative cost estimating software solutions for manufacturing, today announced a strategic partnership with PROFITKEY International, a leader in providing manufacturing planning, manufacturing operations, and financial management. The partnership provides MTI's Costimator JS program to be embedded into ProfitKey's Rapid Response Manufacturing software.
Mr. Tom Charkiewicz, President / CTO of MTI Systems, states, "Our partnership with ProfitKey allows us to do what we do best – providing job shops with a tool that allows them to respond to requests for quotes quickly and with highest degree of accuracy. Having Costimator JS seamlessly integrated into ProfitKey's Rapid Response Manufacturing Software provides manufacturers, a complete end-to-end solution for the first time."
"We are excited about our strategic partnership with MTI Systems and our approach to embedding their solution with ours," says Mr. Joe DiZazzo, CEO and President of ProfitKey. "Embedding Costimator JS will allow users to seamlessly create accurate estimates and when won, move to them to create an order in ProfitKey with just the touch of a button."