Software
GPS.autofab
Solution for automatic sorting systems
GPS.autofab is the automation platform for the glass processing industry and the central control system for automated sorting and buffer solutions. The software connects production planning and manufacturing, controls material flows, sorting systems and machines in real time, and ensures end-to-end traceability and an efficient, automated production process.
How is GPS.autofab structured?
GPS.autofab comprises several core functional areas:
- Interface between production planning and manufacturing
- Central database for production, order and glass-sheet information
- Machine and system communication
- Routing and material flow control
- Sorting and buffer management
- Production monitoring and traceability
- Remake and rework management
- Integration with ERP and third-party systems
- Operating and monitoring interface (AFOverview)
GPS.autofab can also be integrated with various LiSEC and third-party systems such as GPS.prod, GPS.lineserver, GPS.mon and ERP systems.
How does GPS.autofab work?
- Production and order data is transferred from GPS.prod or an ERP system.
- GPS.autofab stores and manages all relevant production information centrally.
- Machines and systems request the data they need during production.
- The system provides information such as sheet ID, processing data, machine assignment, production status and routing.
- GPS.autofab controls sorting, buffer and transport systems as well as the material flow between individual production steps.
- Production progress is monitored and documented in real time.
- Ready messages, rework and remakes are processed automatically and reported back to connected systems.
- Every sheet remains fully traceable throughout the entire production process.
Who is GPS.autofab suitable for?
GPS.autofab is suitable for glass processing companies with automated or semi-automated production systems, particularly:
- Insulating glass manufacturers
- Toughened and heat-strengthened glass producers
- Laminated glass manufacturers
- Companies with sorting and buffer systems
- Companies with complex material flows and multiple processing lines
- Production sites with demanding automation and traceability requirements
- Manufacturers seeking centralised control of machines, robots, furnaces and production lines
GPS.autofab is particularly suitable for companies requiring end-to-end integration between production planning, machine control and material flow management.
What advantages does the software offer?
GPS.autofab automates and controls the entire material flow within production. The software connects production planning and manufacturing, coordinates machines, sorting and buffer systems, and provides all systems with the required production data in real time. This reduces manual intervention, optimises production processes and ensures end-to-end traceability for every sheet. Companies benefit from greater process reliability, improved resource utilisation and efficient communication between machines, production lines and planning systems.
What functions are included as standard?
- Connection between administration and production: Connects planning and order data with manufacturing so that machines receive the relevant production data.
- Data transfer to machines: Provides data such as grinding mode, toughening ID, workflow, machine assignment and production details.
- Production process: Helps route the glass along the correct process path, for example sending glass for toughening to the furnace.
- Management of sorting, unloading and storage: GPS.autofab is not only a data interface; it also coordinates the physical flow of glass sheets: What is unloaded, where it is stored, which sheet is requested and what information accompanies the sheet.
- Sheet ID management: Uses the sheet ID as key information that is passed from machine to machine and used whenever a machine requests data.
- Sorting and buffer management: The system can work with sorting and buffer systems such as ASM, ALD, MLD, ETL, STL and harp cars.
- Ready messages: The system can send "Ready" messages to GPS.prod and update the corresponding production step, provided the documented parameters are configured.
- Handling of rework: The system can send rework from AFOverview to the GPS.prod rework pool via the RemakeServer.
- Communication with the Lineserver: On IG lines supplied from a buffer, it coordinates unloading requests and barcode requests between Autofab and the machines.
- Traceability: Enables data tracking, sheet history and searches for missing or specific sheets.
- External ERP integration: The system can receive batch and order information from third-party ERP systems via transfer files and TCP/IP.
- Production monitoring and control: GPS.autofab includes production monitoring tools that allow users to view the status of sheets, buffers and production lines. Operators can monitor material flow, locate specific sheets, manage faults, handle rework and perform certain manual actions where necessary. This functionality is provided through AFOverview, the system's operating interface.
Which optional functions can be added?
GPS.autofab can be extended with additional options and interfaces, including:
- Automatic single, double and triple unloading
- Automatic furnace loading and unloading
- Furnace integration including transfer of recipe and process data
- Robot integration including workpiece rotation and cork application
- Laser marking control
- Measuring stations
- Advanced furnace-bed optimisation and shape analysis
- Additional buffer and sorting areas
- Connection of washing and scanning systems
- Data Matrix code support
- Bidirectional interfaces to external ERP and production systems
- Integration of GPS.prod, GPS.mon, GPS.lineserver and other LiSEC solutions
The Highlights
Central automation of the production flow
GPS.autofab acts as the central communication platform between production planning, machines and material flow systems. The software ensures that every sheet is automatically routed to the correct processing step and that all machines receive the required production data at all times. This creates an end-to-end automated production process with minimal manual effort.
Real-time monitoring and traceability
The integrated AFOverview operating and monitoring interface allows users to track the current status of sheets, buffers and production lines at any time. Every movement and production step is documented, enabling complete traceability and rapid fault analysis.
Intelligent sorting and buffer control
GPS.autofab coordinates sorting and buffer systems and ensures that glass sheets are provided in the optimum sequence for downstream processes. This increases the utilisation of systems and buffers, reduces waiting times and supports a continuous production flow even in complex manufacturing processes.
