ShopFloorManager Tech Notes
"Managing DNC Files:" The Right Document & File at the Right Time PDF-Version
Managing, Controlling & Approving all of your DNC Files, Machine Tools, File Cabinets...
Supports Windows 8TM, Windows 7TM & WindowsTM XP including Support for Terminal Server 2003/2005/2008

ShopDNC is part of ShopFloorManager's Enterprise Management System's Suite of Secure Integrated Manufacturing Software Applications built upon CAD/CAM Integration's Standard and Optional Modules. These Modules' included EventAware Technologies which Continually Listen & Capture all Events for processing so Manufacturing Users and Applications can be kept in Sync!

ShopDNC provides a full DNC Management User Interface; machine tool configuration; a complete protocol generator; serial, UNC & FTP communications; remote request generator; simple ISO9000 Document Control; simple event capture; reports; intelligent charts; virtualization; management tools: Database Management, Virtual File Cabinets, File & History Archiving and any number of upgrade options.

Manage DNC Files: Using Manage DNC File for Managing all of your Manufacturing DNC Files

ShopFloorManager Runtime - "Using Manage DNC Files"

Note: Click on the "Manage DNC Files" Icon to display the Window that is used to Manage your DNC Files for Assigning to Resouce Collections, Machine Tools, Approving Files for Production, Editing Files, Copying, etc. This Window is used for 90% of the dealings you will have with DNC Files.

ShopFloorManager "Manage DNC Files" Window

Note: The Above Window is but one of many Data Relationship Views that exists between Resource Collections, Machine Tools, File Cabinets, DNC Files, etc. These Views allow you to establish the Data Relationships that best aid you in preforming your DNC Management Functions.

You will notice that several of the Icons in the above View are grayed out indicating that the Resources selected along with present System "State" will not logically allow you access the Functions associated with these Icons. The conditions for activating these will be explained in this Guide.

We will be discussing what Function/Feature is activated for each of the Icons on the "Manage DNC Files" Window in the order that they are displayed as we go through this Guide. There is an Important Feature that we will briefly cover before continuing and that is how we chose the View with which we are working.

Click on the "Change View" Icon and the Following Window will be displayed.

Select DNC File View Mode Window

Note: The above View Window is used to select the particular Data Relationship Views that best aid you in doing you particular Function.

Important! In the following Guide we have displayed the "Viewing Options" that are used for each View Displayed. Please feel free to change these to fit your particular requirements.

Standard:

Manage DNC Files





Close Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Close

Viewing Options:

• Show File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Clicking on the "Close" Icon Button in the "Manage DNC Files" Window will close this Window and return focus to ShopFloorManager Runtime or one of the other Windows that are Opened. I.e. Manage Controlled Documents; Manage Packets, etc.!

Manage DNC Files





New File Cabinet Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - New File Cabinet

Viewing Options:

• Show File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Select where you want the New File Cabinet appear as a Sub-File Cabinet and Click on the "New File Cabinet" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"New File Cabinet" Window

Note: Choose a File Cabinet Name to reflect on the DNC Files or other documents you will be storing in this File Cabinet of "NC Files".

Whichever File Cabinet you have Highlighted when you create a New File Cabinet it will become a Sub-File Cabinet to the Highlighted File Cabinet. You can drag & drop File Cabinets so it is easy move them around.

Important! For more details on File Cabinets see "Creating File Cabinets" in another Guide.

Manage DNC Files





Delete File Cabinet Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Delete File Cabinet

Viewing Options:

• Show File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: To Delete a File Cabinet Highlight the File Cabinet you want to Delete and Click the "Delete File Cabinet" Icon. You can only Delete a File Cabinet if you have removed all the Files, Documents & Packets contained in it.

For more details on File Cabinets see "Creating File Cabinets" in another Guide.

Manage DNC Files





File Cabinet Properties Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - File Cabinet Properties

Viewing Options:

• Show File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select File Cabinet you want to set the Properties on and Click on the "File Cabinet Properties" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"File Cabinet Properties" Window

Note: File Cabinets are one the best ways for individual Users to manage their DNC Files. You can set several properties to insure security and customize your personal File Cabinets!

In order to provided As you can see there are three Tabs: Identification(Name); Security; Import whose Properties need to be customized for your needs.

Important! For more details on Setting File Cabinet Properties & Using File Cabinets see "Creating File Cabinets" in another Guide.

Manage DNC Files





Create New DNC File Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Create New DNC File

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select An Existing File or Enter a Name in the Text Box and Click on the "Create New DNC Files" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Create New DNC File" Window

Note: The above Module is ShopFloorManager's Multi-Window DNC File Editor used for Editing Existing DNC Files or for Creating New DNC Files. It has a multitude of specific Functions for dealing with DNC Files.

Important! For more details on Using ShopFloorManager's N/C Editor see "Using ShopFloorManager's Editor Guide" for details.

Manage DNC Files





Create


New Help File Topic


Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Create New Help File Topic

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select An Existing Help File or Enter a Name in the Text Box and Click on the "Create New Help File Topic" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Create New Help File" Window

Types of Help Files:

• Specific Help Topic for Specific Machine Tool (From this CNC ask for Specific Help Topic and it will be sent)
• Default Help Topic for Specific Machine Tool (From this CNC ask for Help and the Default Help Topic will be sent)
• Generic Help Topic for Any Machine Tool (From any CNC ask for a Help Topic and it will be sent)

Note: ShopFloorManager allows you to create "Help Files" that can be remotely requested from any Modern Machine Tool that supports Comments in DNC Files. After selecting the particular option from above CCI's Editor will be opened where you type the "Help File" or copy it from existing Documents!

Definition: A "Help File" is a text based document that can be used to,for example, describe how to: Use a Fixture; OHSA regulations; Phone Contacts for off-shift; etc. If an operator is not near a PC and needs help/information on a particular Subject ShopFloorManager's "Help Files" can be requested right from the CNC at anytime of day or night. See the descriptions!

Manage DNC Files





Edit DNC File Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Edit Existing DNC File

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select An Existing Existing DNC File and Click on the "Edit Existing DNC File" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Edit Existing DNC File" Window

Note: ShopFloorManager provides a DNC File Editor, SuiteEditorTM specifically designed for editing DNC Files by providing the following Features:

SuiteEditor Features:

• Supports Multiple Files being Opened at the Same Time while still supporting ISO9000 Controls for each File!
• Printing of File Content with Multiple Options
• Cut, Copy, Undo & Paste
• Re-sequencing of Line Numbers with complete control of Line number Size
• Un-sequencing
• Mirroring of any number Axis
• Scaling of any number Axis
• Translation of any number of Axis
• Macro Capability

Note: For more information on using ShopFloorManager's SuitEditor visit our Website: http://www.shopfloormanager.com and go to the "Downloads" Menu and click on the "Editing Guide".

Manage DNC Files





Properties Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Properties

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select An Existing Existing DNC File and Click on the "Properties" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Properties" Window

Note: ShopFloorManager allows you to change an individual File's Properties which affects how Third-Party Applications deals with them.

Important! Different DNC File Types will be handled differently by Third-Party Applications regarding Windows Associated File Extensions and ShopFloorManager's Search Engine just to mention a Few!

Properties:

• Master File - Check this Check-box if you want this File to have Master Status. (Requires More Rights to Modify)
• File Type:
• NC Program - Needs to be this type for Downloading to a Machine Tool in DNC Format
• Help File - See Above for more details on Help Files
• Status:
• Available for Sending to a Machine Tool
• Not available for Sending to a Machine Tool. (Requires More Rights to Download & Upload - This would restrict an Operator's access)
• Enter "File Type" - Used so Windows can associate a Particular File Extension with Third-Party Applications.

Manage DNC Files





Edit Approval


and


Sign-off Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Edit Approval & Sign-off

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you Edit Approval & Sign-Off "Edit Approval & Sign-Off" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Edit Approval & Sign-off" Window

Note: ShopFloorManager provides an ISO9000 Module for creating your own Sign-Off and Approval Forms and Flow Charts for securely managing & controlling all of your Files, Documents & Packets. For details please look for Creating Sign-Off Approvals on our Website: http://www.shopfloormanager.com

Manage DNC Files





Your Files


Waiting For Sign-Off


Icon

The Following Shows the Lower Left Corner of The "Manage DNC Files" Window

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: ShopFloorManager supports Approval & Sign-Off for all of its DNC Files, Documents & Packets. If configured, ShopFloorManager supports two States: Approved & Unapproved. You can setup a simple Sign-off & Approval List chosen from ShopFloorManager Users which will establish an ISO9000 File Control System. If you need a more sophisticated infrastructure you can create you own Sign-Off & Approval Lists with Sign-Off Flow Charts to meet any Manufacturer's needs.

Click on the "OK Button" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

Note: This Window displays the DNC Files, Documents & Packets that this User has waiting to be Signed-Off for Approval. Clicking on a particular Category(DNC Files Above) will Automatically Change the View to "Files Waiting For Sign-Off".

See "Select DNC File View Mode" Above for Details.

Manage DNC Files





Sign-Off DNC File


Icon

Click on the "Sign-off DNC File" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Files Waiting for Sign-off
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Clicking on the "OK" Button will Sign-Off & Approve this File so it can move to the next Approval Step if you have created your own Sign-Off & Approval Forms & Flow Charts. If you are using the default Sign-Off & Approval this File has Final Approval State which allows it for Production.

Once Approved this File will no longer be displayed in this View since it is now Approved! After leaving this Window you will need to set a View Option other then "Files Waiting For Sign-Off".

Click on the Icon to "Select DNC File View Mode" Window where you can chose the View Options you want.

Manage DNC Files





Printing Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Print

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to Print and Click on the "Print" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Print" Window

Options:

• All - Prints the whole File(Be careful that the File isn't very large!)
• Select Text - Only active if you have opened the File by clicking on the "View" Icon.
  
  File Viewer
  
  In the Viewer Window you can Highlight the Lines you want to send to the Printer and click on the Print Button!
  
  
• Beginning
• Pages - Enter the number of Pages to Print.
• Lines - Enter the number of Lines to Print.
• Heading Only - This is setup from ShopFloorManager Runtime Top Menu "Configure" and Sub-Menu "General System Configuration". See Configuring the Database Guide for more details.

Manage DNC Files





Import Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Import DNC Files

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Click on the "Import" Icon and the Following Explorer Window is Displayed:

"Import" Window

Note: Before Browsing to the DNC Files you want to Import make sure you have selected/highlighted the correct Resource Collection(In the Example it is Matsuura) in to which you want to Import the Files.

Now browse to the File(s) you want to Import and select one or multiple Files and click on the Open Button and the following Window will be displayed.

Setting Import Options for Each File:

Note: Chose an Option for all or each of the files and Click OK Button. Continue until complete.

Manage DNC Files





Copy to a Folder Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Copy To Folder

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to Export to a Folder and click on the "Copy to a Folder" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Copy to Folder" Window

Note: After Selecting/Highlighting the File you want to Export you can Browse to the Folder where you want Copy the File or can select from the different Paths displayed above in the various Tabs.

Copying the File to an External Folder doesn't delete or change the status of the Exported File!

Manage DNC Files





Copy & Assign Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Copy & Assign Window

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to Copy and Assign to Resource Collection(s) and click on the "Copy and Assign" Icon and the Following Window will be Displayed:

"Copy & Assign" Window

Note: You can select which Resource Collections you want the copied File to be assigned to by checking the appropriate Check-box.

After making the selections click the OK Button and the following Window will be displayed:

Copy and Assign Window

Note: Enter a New Name(Click on the Guideline Button for Help) or leave the name as it is. If you leave the name the same and the System is set for multiple versions a new version number will be generated for this File.

Click the Copy and Assign Button to complete the operation or the Close Icon to cancel.

Manage DNC Files





Rename Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Rename

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to Rename and Click on the "Rename" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Rename" Window

Note: Enter a New Name and if you need help with the name click on the Guideline Button.

Click the Rename Button to complete the operation or the Close Icon to cancel.

Manage DNC Files





Delete Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - Delete Selected DNC File

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to Delete and Click on the "Delete Selected DNC File" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"Delete" Window

Note: Click the Delete Button to complete the operation or the Keep Button to cancel.

Manage DNC Files





Delete All Listed Files


Icon

View of Files Selected for Deletion:

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

File Selection Options

• Click on the Icon to "Select DNC File View Mode" Module for Options to narrow your Search
• Click on the Icon to use the Search Engine to narrow your Search
• Hold the Cntrl Key when selecting Specific Files(Use after First using File Selection Options 1 & 2 Above!)

Note: You can combine the Options above to narrow down the File Selection.

Select Files & click the "Delete All Listed Files" Icon & the Following Window is Displayed:

Note: Caution: Make sure you have selected only those Files you want to delete en masse! Once this operation is complete all of the Files will be deleted from ShopFloorManager's main database and placed in the archived database. Trying to retrieve a large number of Files from the archived database can be Tedious.

To continue using a File by File Mode Click the Delete, Keep or Keep All Button or click the Delete All Button.

Manage DNC Files





View Icon

SuitFactory Runtime - View

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Note: Select the File you want to View and Click on the "View" Icon and the Following Window is Displayed:

"View" Window

Note: You can search for Words, Highlight Sections for Printing or if you have a Third-Party Application that you would prefer to use you can access that by using ShopFloorManager's Third-Party Tools. See Create Third-Party Tools Guide on our website.

Manage DNC Files





Compare Icon

Click the Compare Icon & select two Files to Compare:

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Select File 1 to Compare:

Note: Chose the First File you want to Compare and click Icon. The selected File is displayed in the Status Line at the Bottom of the Window. You will also notice that the Compare Icon is grayed indicating you can't chose this File again!

If you have a Third-Party Application that you would prefer to use you can access that by using ShopFloorManager's Third-Party Tools. See Create Third-Party Tools Guide on our website.

Select File 2 to Compare:

Note: Chose the Second File you want to Compare and click Icon and the Compare Application will be displayed:

The Compare Application:

Note: See the Legend at the Lower Right Corner of the Window for determining what changed. If you have a Third-Party Application that you would prefer to use you can access that by using ShopFloorManager's Third-Party Tools. See Create Third-Party Tools Guide on our website.

Manage DNC Files





Assign Icon

Select a File & Resource Collection and click on the "Assign" Icon

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Manage DNC Files Window

Note: Select a File & Resource Collection as shown above and click on the Assign Icon. The File is Assigned to the Resource Collection that you highlighted and will be removed from this View since the View your are in now is "Not Assigned". You will need to change the View Option to Assigned. The File has not deleted!.

Manage DNC Files





Clear Assignment Icon

Select a Resource Collection & File and click on the "Clear Assignment" Icon

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Manage DNC Files Window

Note: Select a Resource Collection & File as shown above and click on the Clear Assignment Icon. The File Assignment to the Selected Resource Collection that you highlighted is Cleared. You will see that the Selected DNC File has been removed from this View since the View your are in now is "Assigned" and the status of this DNC File is Unassigned regarding this Resource Collection. The File has not deleted!.

Manage DNC Files





Sending Icon

Select a Machine Tool or Resource Collection and click on the "Send" Icon

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Manage DNC Files Window

Note: The effects of choosing a Resource Collection vs. a Machine Tool are as follows. If you choose a Machine Tool all of the Files in all of it's associated Resource Collections will be displayed. If you just Select a Resource Collection only that Resource Collection's DNC Files will be Displayed.

Click on the Send Icon and the Selected File will be downloaded.

Manage DNC Files





Sending All Listed...


Icon

Select a Networked CNC or associated Resource Collection & click "Send All Listed..." Icon

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Manage DNC Files Window

Caution: Make sure you have selected only those Files you want to send en masse!.

File Selection Options

• Click on the Icon to "Select DNC File View Mode" Module for Options to narrow your Search
• Click on the Icon to use the Search Engine to narrow your Search
• Hold the Cntrl Key when selecting Specific Files(Use after First using File Selection Options 1 & 2 Above!)

Note: You can combine the Options above to narrow down the File Selection.

Now click on the Send All Listed DNC Files Icon and all of the Listed DNC Files will be downloaded to the Networked CNC(Ethernet or FTP based Controller).

Manage DNC Files





Receiving Icon

Select a Machine Tool or Resource Collection and click the "Receive" Icon

Viewing Options:

• Hide File Cabinets
• Machines->Resource Collections->Files
• Assigned
• View NC Files
• View Help Files
• View Approved DNC Files
• View DNC Files with Pending Approval

Note: Click to Change View!

Manage DNC Files Window

Note: You can select an existing DNC File or enter a new DNC File Name in the Text Box. Example Above: "NEW_UPLOAD". If you select an Existing DNC File and your System has been configured for Multiple Version the next version of the Selected DNC File will be created. If your System has been configured for Single Version the Selected DNC File will be over-written & Version incremented and the old DNC File will be Archived.

The effects of choosing a Resource Collection vs. a Machine Tool are as follows. If you choose a Machine Tool every Resource Collection associated with this Machine Tool will have the Selected DNC File Assigned to it. If you just Select a Resource Collection only that Resource Collection will have the DNC File assigned to it.