Full-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) offer this deep level of tracking, but implementing them is a significant undertaking.

Here at Hill, we needed a way to define the precise journey – the 'route' – each component takes, from raw billet to finished, inspected, and packed part.

Leveraging an existing database platform, our team began developing a bespoke, in-house system tailored specifically to our needs. It quickly evolved into a powerful job tracking tool.

Key Benefits We're Already Seeing:

1. Real-Time Visibility: With a glance, we can now see exactly which jobs are active and precisely what stage they are in – whether it's machining, inspection, part marking, or heading to stores. This gives us an unprecedented, real-time snapshot of our manufacturing floor.
2. Deep Process Insight: The system doesn't just show where a part is, but what's happening. We can see the sequence of operations a part has completed and the specific process currently underway.
3. Integrated Data Logging: As parts move through critical stages, like measurement and inspection, the resulting data is logged directly against that operation within the system. This creates a robust, traceable record we can refer back to anytime.

Seamless Integration

We're actively integrating the tracking system directly with the laser etcher. A simple "Save Serial Number" function in our software populates the etching machine's program, minimising manual input and potential errors.

The result? A clean, permanent mark including: our logo, human-readable serial number (with batch/part info) and a standardised Dot Matrix code.

This Dot Matrix code can be scanned instantly using readily available technology (even an iPhone!), immediately linking the physical part back to its comprehensive digital history in our developing system.

This integrated system of tracking and permanent identification is fundamental, particularly in aviation.

"When the HX50 are in the air, it's really important that we know every single part on that helicopter"

This permanent etching allows us, and potentially regulators or customers, to:

• Trace any part back through every manufacturing step it underwent.
• Access all associated measurement and testing data.
• Confidently certify the provenance and quality of each component.