Eurosoft, Inc.: BlueCell

All BlueCell versions allow users to specify limits imposed by cutting equipment to prevent the creation of solutions than cannot be produced at the machine. Limits include complexity of the layouts, clamp requirements, etc.

Length Optimization

All BlueCell versions can optimize lengths (1D Optimization) and include controls to facilitate data entry for length optimization applications.

Office Labels

Print labels from the office on standard label templates.

Standard Reports

BlueCell ships with several prebuilt SQL reports which can be used right out of the box. Reports can be viewed within BlueCell using the integrated report viewer.

Python Scripting Support

BlueCell versions include integrated python script support. Python is a widely-used, open-source coding language that can be used to write macros to automate BlueCell functions, build custom dialogs, and more.

Remnants I

All BlueCell versions can find reusable remnants in optimizations based upon minimum dimension criteria. Any unused area in the pattern that meets the minimum dimension requirements is designated as a remnant.

Essentials

A light-weight package designed to give sales and estimating access to top-notch optimization without the "bells and whistles" normally required for full-fledged automation and production. Includes a complete, unfettered panel optimizer with a feature configuration that makes it an ideal solution for estimating material consumption and machine cutting time. Optional license expansion pack for three users; Compatible with machine post-processors.

Includes university developed yield optimization algorithm; No artificially imposed limitations on part or sheet quantities; Optimization of multiple materials in each run; Machine constraints to prevent creation of patterns which could not actually be produced at a machine.

Standard Features:

+ BlueCell Dynamic algorithm
+ No limits on part or material quantities
+ Multi-material optimization
+ Machine constraints
+ Length optimization
+ Standard Reports
+ Python scripting support
+ Part labels
+ Remnants 1 (detection of remnants in patterns)
+ Single-user license

Optional

+ Post processor
+ Upgrade to 3-user license

Professional

Package designed to meet the demands of everyday production right out of the box. Comes standard with 3 licenses as well as many features that address special production requirements.

Standard Features (in addition to Essentials):

+ 2 Algorithms: BC and Block Nesting
+ Over/under production
+ Material cost optimization
+ True headcuts
+ Edgebanding
+ Low priority (filler) parts
+ Remnants 2 (Remnants can be added to material file automatically)
+ Inventory management (automatically reduce inventory)
+ Grain formations with drag and drop builder
+ Split patterns on level 1 rip cuts
+ Pattern editor
+ Post processor
+ 3-user license

Optional

+ Additonal Post Processors
+ Upgrade to 10-user license

Over/Under Production

This feature allows the user to specify an acceptable range for the quantity of each part to be produced in addition to a fixed quantity. If a range is specified, the optimizer can overproduce and/or underproduce the parts to improve the yield of the job.

True Headcuts

A true head cut pattern allows increased pattern complexity by separating a sheet into two smaller panels on the first cut. This can increase yield but also take longer to produce. With BlueCell's Dynamic algorithm true headcuts can be turned on and off.

Material Cost Optimization

This feature allows a cost value to be assigned to each raw material type and size. The optimizer will take the cost of the material into account during optimization to minimize the overall cost of material for the job.

Part Families

BlueCell is capable of grouping parts of the same "family" together to prevent them from being scattered over many different patterns across the entire optimization.

Edgebanding

For parts that require edgebanding, BlueCell has support to maintain an edgebanding library that will apply any size correction to assigned parts.

Low priority (filler) parts

Allows part sizes to be designated with different priority levels. The lowest priority level parts are "fillers" that can be added to a result to improve yield. A typical example: stretchers - needed in large quantities and not specific to a single product.

Remnants 2

This feature allows remnant sizes from optimized solutions to be added automatically to the BlueCell material library for use in future optimizations. These remnants are prioritized so they are consumed as quickly as possible.

Inventory Management

Allows material quantities, including those of remnant pieces, to be automatically updated to reflect quantities consumed by optimizations.

Pattern Editor

Allows manual editing of patterns created by BlueCell or imported from supported 3rd party files. Within the editor users can click and drag parts to add them to a pattern or move existing parts to the another location on the layout.

Grain Formations

Allows the user to create arrangements of parts that must stay together to preserve a continuous flow of the grain pattern across the included parts. Typical applications are high-end kitchen cabinets, wall paneling and architectural millwork.

Split Patterns on 1st-Level Cuts

Only 1st-level cuts (can be cross cut or rip cut) are made on each pattern with the intention of producing long strips. Often used to increase effieciency in conjunction with a 2nd machine to make the next level cuts. Typical applications include cabinet drawers and doors.

Professional

Package designed to meet the demands of everyday production right out of the box. Comes standard with 3 licenses as well as many features that address special production requirements.

Standard Features (in addition to Essentials):

+ 2 Algorithms: BC and Block Nesting
+ Over/under production
+ Material cost optimization
+ True headcuts
+ Part families
+ Edgebanding
+ Low priority (filler) parts
+ Remnants 2 (Remnants can be added to material file automatically)
+ Inventory management (automatically reduce inventory)
+ Grain formations with drag and drop builder
+ Split patterns on level 1 rip cuts
+ Pattern editor
+ Post Processor
+ 3-user license

Optional

+ Additonal post processors
+ Upgrade to 10-user license

Enterprise

Ready to meet virtually any production demand, BlueCell Enterprise Professional includes all features and a 10 user license, standard.

Standard Features (in addition to Professional):

+ Labor cost optimization
+ Substitute materials
+ Part order
+ Instock remnants dashboard
+ SQL import/export wizard
+ 10-user licenses

Optional

+ Additonal post processors
+ Site license (for unlimited licenses within facility)

Labor Cost Optimization

Allows the cost of labor to be taken into account during optimization. The optimizer will attempt to minimize the cost of labor required based on user- definable cost criteria for various actions (e.g. loading a new board, switching materials, etc.).

Substitute materials

This feature enables the ability to specify a heirarchy of acceptable materials that can be substituted for the given material if it will improve yield.

Part order

For users who have an ordering system and require orders received first to be completed earlier in the optimization, parts can be optimized to appear in the patterns first before BlueCell will optimize the next order.

Instock remnants dashboard

Enhances BlueCell (Using Eurosoft's InStock software) to create and manage bin locations for remnants; Remnants can be allotted to bins manually or automatically based on user-definable criteria. Includes a built-in management dashboard.

SQL import/export wizard

Import and export data from BlueCell. Multiple import/export actions from multiple datasources can be executed with a single click (pull sheets from one database into BlueCell, another to import parts from a different database).

Enterprise

Ready to meet virtually any production demand, BlueCell Enterprise Professional includes all features and a 10 user license, standard.

Standard Features (in addition to Professional):

+ Labor cost optimization
+ Substitute materials
+ Part order
+ Instock remnants dashboard
+ SQL import/export wizard
+ 10-user licenses

Optional

+ Additonal post processors
+ Site license (for unlimited licenses within facility)