Swiss plastics company seeks software to manage its injection molding tools

We are a small to medium enterprise (SME) in the plastics industry and are looking for new software to manage our injection molding tools as part of a digitization project. The aim is to replace the existing MS Excel-based solution and create a central, structured, and future-proof platform that meets both the administrative requirements and the operational needs of production. At the heart of production are approximately 160 injection molding tools, which are used for various orders and product series. These tools are essential for ensuring high product quality and process stability. We mass-produce plastic parts and injection molded parts in large series. Our particular strengths lie in the processing of thermoplastics, elastomers, and high-performance plastics.

Functional requirements

• Central database
• Enables central recording and management of all tool data, including life cycle matrix, parts lists, variants, maintenance history, test reports, and machine data
• Supports advanced search functions and interfaces to existing systems (MES, production) for comprehensive data integration
• Status management - Management of tool status
• Document
• Integration of MES (production)
• Cycle counter – integration of shot counts for preventive maintenance planning
• Integration of SAP ERP optional
• Reminder function
• Spare parts lists, parts lists
• Search and filter functions
• Role-based access
• Tool storage location
• Internal location – pallet location in the warehouse, in the machine, in the workshop
• External location – not available (for example, in service, in repair)
• Automated orders optional
• Business management evaluations
• Supports the planning and budgeting of tool maintenance and investments
• To improve cost control and efficiency of tool usage
• Preferred as a dashboard, alternatively as exportable data for external analysis

Non-functional requirements

• Cloud and expandability Nice to have
• User-friendliness - high, intuitive operation

Technical

• Web and mobile support nice to have
• Data encryption - secure data transmission (encryption)
• Availability - high availability and reliability of the system
• Data security - server location in the EU

Three to six software workstations are planned. Work will be carried out in an MS Windows system landscape.

A catalog of requirements can be obtained from SoftGuide.