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Greetings,
2004 is shaping up to be an exciting year for AMS! Our
Sales department stays very busy as inquiries and
bookings are far exceeding 2003 while our Engineering
department continues their work at designing and
testing new concepts to add even more value to our
product offering.
We encourage all owners of XL series controllers to
check out our article discussing the benefits of
attending our upcoming training class on how to
maximize the value of their investment. In our series of
articles on getting to know the people of AMS, we
feature Jeff Burger, Regional Sales Manager for the
Southern and Eastern U.S.
| Material Traceability |
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In the development and implementation of any quality
control system, a key item that always needs to be
addressed is the issue of traceability. As the shear
volume of units produced increases, the potential for
problems associated with those units also increases.
Traceablility to the individual coil and raw material lot
number becomes an essential part of the quality
analysis of problems, the isolation of suspect materials,
and the identification of potential field issues.
Any time there is a problem or question regarding a
finished good in the field, it becomes an immediate
concern for the manufacturer to determine what went
wrong. If that product can be traced back to its raw
materials, additional, unshipped material can be
identified for test, which could confirm the raw material
as the reason for failure or eliminate it as a contributing
factor in the ongoing investigation.
In the event that the raw material is determined to be
a cause of failure, part traceability allows the
manufacturer to isolate any internal inventory to
ensure that additional problems are not shipped to the
customer as well as identify any other potential
problem shipments which may already be in the field.
By linking the order the coil it is actually used in the
manufacturing of a product, Eclipse Production
Management SystemŽ provides the manufacturer with
the tools necessary to meet all quality system
requirements for part traceability. Eclipse tracks actual
coil usage per order and can identify all coils used to
produce a particular order, where multiple coils are
used, as well as identify any additional orders produced
using the suspect coil.
Read more about traceability... »
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| New Feature: In-Field Software Updates |
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As control systems become increasingly more
sophisticated, a key question has always been: "How
do I maintain the latest in software to ensure that I am
getting the most out of my hardware."
Previously, software upgrades involved removing the
hardware, taking it out of service and returning it to
the manufacturer for any software upgrades.
Unfortunately, the downtime associated with this
procedure often meant that the upgrade was put off
and never done.
AMS has overcome this problem in our line of XL200
controllers. Utilizing the new XL200 Flash Program,
XL200 users can access software upgrades and
improve the functionality of their controller without
removing it from the production line.
Learn about updating your software »
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| AMS Factory-Based Classes Begin! |
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Eclipse class initiated in February
AMS recently held it first factory-based
instruction course for "Basic Eclipse Operation." The
two-day session was well attended. Instruction was
provided by Ken Click and Mike Finnerty. Much was
learned during the course and the atmosphere was very
enjoyable as we were able to share information
regarding common experiences and issues.
XL200 Class is coming April 13th and 14th.
The next factory-based instruction course will cover
the operation of the XL200 controller with the Version 2
operating system. Registration includes bagels and
donuts in the morning and a hot lunch at midday during
the two-day course. A nominal fee of $200 per
attendee is required for each attendee.
Some of the topics covered will include:
- Controller Parameters
- System Setup and Calibration
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Production Tracking and Feedback for Eclipse
- Printer Operation
Sign up today on the AMS website or call AMS Controls
to reserve your spot.
Sign Up Today »
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| In the Spotlight: Jeff Burger |
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Jeff Burger is the regional sales manager for AMS
Controls for the southern and eastern section of the
U.S.. Jeff has extensive knowledge of roll form
applications as well as a thorough understanding of the
full AMS product line.
Jeff is a 1994 graduate of Linn Technical College, with
an Associates of Applied Science in Electronic
Engineering Technology and has worked at AMS since
1996. His past duties with AMS include working in the
console wiring and repair departments and serving as
the Chief Field Service Technician for several years.
Jeff moved into the Sales department in September of
2000.
Jeff's personal interests include both participating in
and watching sporting events. While rooting for the
local St. Louis teams he also is an avid fan of the San
Francisco 49rs, although the success of the St. Louis
Rams over the last few years has caused him to split
his loyalty somewhat.
Ask Jeff about the "tuna fisherman's initiation" that he
learned about during a fishing trip off the California
coast a few years ago.
Jeff will be getting married
in July in his hometown of Perryville, MO.
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