Program Features

The Quote Master allows users to prepare and track the progress of quotes created within the system. Each quote that is created is tracked through the Quoting Process, from the initial entry to the follow-up and eventually, to the disposition of the quote.

To assist in the Quoting process, the CastQ system allows users to create precise estimates, by extracting actual costing information from similar parts already in production. Management will now be able to project the anticipated costs for various services and labor required in a time and cost-efficient manner.

The Part Control management modules allow users to create and define parts within the system that are to be produced for customers. Users may define the various aspects of each part, and submit electronic images for part recognition.

All parts created within CastQ are automatically updated to the special Shop Floor Intranet system. This allows all users to view the associated Part Information, including all part specifications, requirements, and additional procedures that must be completed.

In adherence with Quality Standard specifications, the CastQ system provides users with various masters and tools, for the purpose of maintaining requirements and specifications within a Quality Control environment. Users have the ability to monitor all specifications and individual requirements for parts created within the system, as well as maintain the industry-specific techniques and procedures required for achieving satisfaction and compliance at each level of the production process.

Specification Masters & Updating Modules

The Specification modules allow users to maintain records of industry-specific and customer-specific quality requirements. All specifications entered within the system are available for application to various parts and procedures. The unique Quality Review modules also allow users to conduct quality reviews and updates for specifications, and apply any changes to select entries within the system.

Additional Quality Control modules include Alloy Templates, Customer Notes, Part Holds, Maintain FPI Techniques, and Maintain X-Ray Techniques.

The Orders Management module allows users to create new and modify existing Production Orders. A history of each Change Order issued by the customer is maintained within the system, allowing users to review a complete history of each change that has affected a Production Order.

The Schedule/Production Control section allows the Production Control (PC) coordinator to create and schedule production batches based upon the maximum load of user-defined operations. CastQ allows the PC coordinator and all other users to then track each production batch as it moves through the production process.

The Packing Slips/Invoicing routine is a fully integrated part of the Orders Management module. Users may generate different types of invoices, including Order, Billing, Direct, Credit, Debit, Packing Slip and Return Material Authorization invoices.

Customer-specific barcode shipping labels may be created and assigned to specific customers, as required.

The RMA section allows users to track returned material, disposition the returned parts as either Scrap or Rework, and generate a credit to the customer, based upon the disposition chosen.

The CofC routine allows users to create certificates that capture all production and quality information associated with the production batches that have been selected for invoicing.

Production and quality information to be noted on the CofC may include melt numbers, Heat Treat loads, mechanical information, dimensional inspections, and X-ray/FPI reports for production, and specifications and process requirements for quality information.

The Labor Tracking feature allows the shop floor to record timecards for each employee. The timecards record the time and quantity produced, including the number of good, scrap and rework pieces, for each batch currently within the production process. The labor tracking feature also provides Production Control up-to-the-minute information as to what operations have been performed and the status of each production order.

The Foundry Production feature allows the Foundry department to record what production has been performed in foundry and the corresponding chemical melts that have been used for each production batch. Only melts that meet the chemical requirements and have the correct chemical standard are allowed to be selected.

The Heat Treat Loads feature allows users to create a load for either the solution or the temper process. Each part that is included within a load is run through a verification process, ensuring that the part has been placed within the correct load, pursuant to temperature, time and quench requirements.

Outside Services allow users to track the release of parts that been sent to an outside supplier for processing. The feature also allows users to record the return of released parts, as well as record all inspections performed.

The Chemical Results feature allows the chemical results to be either manually recorded, or captured directly from the spectrograph. The chemical results are then verified against the minimum/maximum values that have been setup for the Chemical Standards.

The Mechanical Results feature allows the mechanical (tensile) results to be either manually recorded, or capture directly, from the tensile machine. The mechanical properties are then verified against the minimum/maximum values that have been setup for the part.

The Dimensional Inspection allows users to either manually record dimensions, or capture dimensional values from a dimensional gage. The dimension requirements are based upon the Dimensional Inspection requirements, as entered within the Quality Control module.

The Hardness Reports allow users to either manually record or capture the hardness results from a hardness tester. The hardness requirements are based upon the requirements entered within the Hardness section of the Part Quality Control module.

NDT Report features allow users to create NDT reports for X-ray and FPI processes. The requirements are, again, based on the X-ray and FPI requirements, as entered within the Quality Control module.

The Welding Certificates feature allows users to create welding certificates, which track parts being welded, and displays images that show pre-welding and post-welding views of parts. The Welding Certificate is also dependent on the Welding requirements, as entered within the Quality Control module, and through the use of the Quality Control module, provides users with notifications about restrictions and customer authorization requirements.

CastQ allows users to transfer/capture the critical quality information directly from the Spectrograph, Tensile Machine, Heat Treat Furnaces, Hardness Tester, and Dimensional Gages, removing the possibility of operator error when entering in the critical information.

The CastQ system, through the use of shared network folders and relational data, allows users to upload electronic documents and images to the system. All uploaded files may then be attached to various module entries, allowing users to maintain detailed information and records for specific types of entries.

Documents that are commonly uploaded to the system include drawings, part images, x-ray images, and customer correspondence.