If you're like me, you are always looking for new tools to improve your processes and save time and/or money. When evaluating new technical software, we always say to ourselves: "What can this do for me?" Well, with the Archer Tools software, you can:

• Solve constrained resource and assignment problems with up to 1000+ variables and 1,000+ constraints. (e.g. optimize product mixes, machine/personnel assignments, etc.)
• Sequence operations in an assembly line to minimize cycle time or costs (surprisingly, sometimes the fastest sequence costs more to operate!)
• Sequence jobs to minimize set-up or change-over time or route deliveries using the best route
• Analyze continuous improvement aspects of production processes and set targets for your team

First, let's discuss my personal favorite tool: The Assembly Line Tool. This tool is great for analyzing all types of assembly lines. It sequences paced and unpaced and optimizes over costs or time. It gives the analyst the capability to analyze alternative sequences and provides detailed statistics on the characteristics of the operational sequence. It gives you valuable information about your line at a fraction of the cost of a commercial simulation tool.

As a compliment to assembly line simulation, the Assembly LineTool can enhance your development of simulation models by:

a. Providing good feasible sequences to simulate. This is particularly helpful if you are designing a new assembly line. It can eliminate time wasted simulating impractical lines.

b. Providing a benchmark for your simulation results. It can add to your confidence in the simulation model by providing a baseline on times and costs.

My next favorite tool is the Deluxe TSP Tool. The Traveling Salesman Problem (or TSP) is a classic Operations Research model for sequencing changes of state where each change of one state to another state has a penalty. The object is to sequence all changes so that the total penalty is minimized. This model is great for:

• Sequencing stops on a courier route
• Sequencing air routes for an airline
• Sequencing jobs through a flexible cell where each job has a different set-up
• Sequencing parts to be inserted on an automatic insertion machine
• Sequencing the drilling of holes in a printed circuit board
• Warehousing problems (sequencing pulls or puts from stock)
• Sequencing wardrobe changes at a fashion show (my favorite)
• (Your favorite goes here)

For repetitive tasks, the savings of a few cents or a few seconds or a few miles can save big $$$. The Deluxe TSP Tool is an inexpensive tool that provides good performance with a user-friendly interface. It takes symmetric (e.g. the distance from point A to point B is the same as the distance from point B to point A) and asymmetric data (e.g. the time to switch from job C to job D is different from the time to switch from job D to job C) and either tabular or 2-D coordinates. It also contains Geo-coordinates and enhanced path optimization to tackle additional routing problems.

The Linear Programming Tool is a low-cost classic linear optimizer. It solves product/resource mix type problems up to 1,000+ variables and 1,000+ constraints. It can save big $$$ too, but requires some modeling experience on behalf of the user. Great "no frills" optimizer with excellent numerical stability for under $40!!!

Finally, consider the Learning Curve Tool and Target Generator. Are you analyzing learning curves with log/log paper and a special protractor and generating targets by hand with a book of tables and a calculator? These little gems can save hours and $$$. This tool can be used to assess continuous improvement programs and help set goals and forecast performance. (I've written a technical paper on this subject which you can read by clicking here.)

ATC software tools are designed to provide the technical consultant, I.E., or student with a new "bag of tricks" to tackle waste and analyze processes. These tools are inexpensive but powerful. They are available as a bundle or individually. Don't take my word for it! Check it out yourself.

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About the author:

Tim Archer is the Managing Member of The Archer Tool Company, LLC. He holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State University. He makes his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico in the beautiful Mesilla Valley.