The Korean pioneer SunStar recently launched its innovative and much awaited New Network System (NNS), thus joining the league of sewing machine manufacturers that provide not only world-class sewing machines but also systems for production management and tracking. This software helps in sending updates directly to the machine manufacturer, thus increasing the service efficiency.
Germany based company Efka Motor Company, was the first to showcase a similar system at the IMB 2003. Later Japan-based Juki launched its Intelligent Sewing System (ISS) at the last Texprocess show for real time monitoring of the sewing floor via a terminal attached to every machine. Similarly, Pegasus has also developed a Digital Process Analysis System for process standardisation. Both the systems discussed can be used with all types of sewing machines, whereas the innovation from SunStar can only be used with special N-series machines from SunStar only.
This new NNS software records and collates all sewing information like stitch length, stitch width, pressure foot, differential ratio to be maintained and required sewing pattern inputted through an Operation box with a chip to access the internet. This software automatically records the number of pieces produced with the help of edge sensors mounted on the machine. This helps in calculating the exact payouts. The cost required for installing NNS server ranges from US $ 2000 to US $ 5000.
[bleft]NNS is a ground-breaking and useful solution from SunStar which combines all the communication channels between the buyer, the industry and the machine manufacturer, thus improving the transparency in the manufacturing operations. [/bleft]
The NNS is in reality a production management system which comes in two modules – SDMS-I and SDMS–II, where SDMS stands for SunStar Design and Management System. SDMS-I module monitors the flow of an order right from the time it is received on the production floor till it is stored in the machine memory along with the order histories, designs, quantity and due dates. After receiving the purchase orders, the software starts creating the standard working instructions or work-related notices for the sewing operators which are generated in the form of text, voice or mail; these instructions are generally generated from the inputs on sewing conditions and process information. The software is capable to do all sorts of sewing preparatory processes from selection of employees and line balancing for the style to establishing the layout of the sewing line for production.
SDMS-I enables operators to check for the job orders and new notifications along with the updates on progress of the work that has been done. The software helps in reducing meeting times between the manager and the operator by enabling the real time communication through webcam installed on the station. Even when away from work station, the person in-charge can monitor the real time information like line statistics, verification chart and other details through their smart phones connected to the new NNS network.
SDMS-II, which is another module launched under the umbrella of NNS, looks after the real time monitoring of production from embroidery machine. With this software embroidery parameters like speed, colour information by the needle bar and automatic setting of the tension bar can be simplified for an unskilled worker which helps in increasing its efficiency. The software is equipped with A/S processing which is error code identification, and is very useful in decreasing the down time of the machine.
