Swystem and Alpha Systems team up

Swystem Logic GmbH of Switzerland have teamed up with the Chennai software developers Alpha Systems to launch Recipes TIM. Swystem's John Crowther saw the benefits of a joint venture with Alpha Systems of Chennai, after realising the synergies between Recipes TIM (RTIM) and Alpha System's TPCS. The product of that vision is v.5 of the RTIM software which was launched at IILF/ILFMEA 2005 and is being presented in APLF in Hong Kong, Manufacturing Enhancement Forum. The program, which has an economic licence fee, provides the first step of tannery efficiency and cost reduction, bringing tannery modernisation within easy reach of the leather industry. The development permits the tanner to improve production accuracy, efficiency and quality consistency, yet avoids the need for heavy investment in hardware. At the same time, databases of recipes, chemical properties and inventory, and operations. Founded in Switzerland 10-years ago, Swystem Logic GmbH are in the business of promoting cost saving, production efficiency and quality consistency. After extensive experience in dyes and chemicals for leather, technical management in tanneries, industrial automation and software, CEO and founder, John Crowther, became known for project work for upgrading tanneries and design of new plants in USA, Southern Africa, Japan, South America, Australia and Europe. The original Recipes TIM development answered demands by small tanneries and leather-labs for improved tannery process specification, and fast reaction to customer needs. Alpha Systems, founded in 1996, are a young team of highly motivated, forward-thinking specialised software professionals and consultants. They are dedicated to providing leading edge solutions for the leather industry (tannery, leathergoods, garments, shoes and belts.) Their flagship product, TPCS - Total Production Control Systems - is a suite of programs - modular in design, which provide value added, cost effective solutions combined with user-friendly and appropriate technology. This provides, at an affordable price, an essential productivity tool needed by tanners and finishers and leathergoods manufacturers. The modules have the features of manufacturing resources and planning (MRP) and are ready customised for immediate application. Alpha Systems not only provides answers for clients, but also works closely with them to ensure that the most rapid implementation and start-up in the plant maximises pay-back and meets the business goals. Just as Alpha Systems have eagerly integrated Recipes TIM as an important module within TPCS, further industry-specific developments are in the pipeline. The specialized Alpha Systems team delivers a high quality, cost effective product using the latest proven technology. Our expertise, and professional consultancy, is at your service to help you cut costs, and increase profitability. Swystem Logic was drawn to Alpha Systems on reviewing it's ERP software 'TPCS' which was specifically developed for the leather goods and tanning industries. Recipes TIM and 'TPCS' each have a pedigree exceeding a decade - which ensures that both products meet the known needs of Tanneries and Service Laboratories today. Recipes TIM is a Windows-based software developed using cutting-edge technology plus in-depth knowledge of Technical Development and Production Management in the Tannery. Recipes Management is the first step towards the modernised tannery, a sound preparation needed for the later steps of PLC control and networked automation. Proprietors, administrators, production and technical management and staff now have a tool, which facilitates cost management, quality control, process supervision of the process and monitoring of the chemical stocks. It is the foundation for the development of a modern and competitive plant. The benefit of having a Recipe Management module fully integrated with Manufacturing Resources and Planning is self-evident, says John Crowther. The result is a strengthened functionality of TPCS, as well as providing a modern and powerful version of Recipes TIM. This uses the latest features of software security; the power of SQL data-base design. RTIM is flexible enough to be used according to the specific needs of the tannery. It can be installed as a 'stand-alone' program or networked, allowing different departments to communicate with a secure central server and allowing management to acquire relevant data. The accumulated data may be subsequently utilized by external systems (for example, exported to Process Control Automation, adapted for SCADA applications and used for reports and publications). For a very low investment, the new 'version 5' Recipes TIM program is a powerful database of recipes and tannery resources. It not only stores the 'specified process vs. the actual results' but also archives the analytical results for the leather produced. Records may be searched in a variety of ways, quickly locating Target Recipes with specific leather quality and properties and production costs ranged within defined limits. Swystem Logic says that this is Step 1, since the program helps the technician to monitor and control the process, to ensure accurate implementation. The process is 'actuated' by the operator within the 'Run Times' specified in the recipe. In the later steps of modernisation, actuation is performed by PLC-based automation.