Questions? Here are the answers.
Are you interested in the SOFLEX production control system or are you already implementing it with our team? Then you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions here - compact, understandable and practical.
SOFLEX has been one of the leading suppliers of production control systems since 1984.
With over 40 years of experience in automation and digitalization, SOFLEX delivers manufacturer-independent, tailor-made solutions for modern production.
As a specialized system house, we plan, control and visualize flexible production systems - in over 2,000 installations worldwide.
Our software is designed to maximize the productivity of production systems with small batch sizes and high workpiece variance.
The main functions of a SOFLEX control system can be subdivided into:
- Organization of the production process (detailed planning, calculation of tool requirements, provision of NC programs and production documents, ...)
- Control of automated processes (automatic workpiece and resource supply, start of machining, ...)
- Recording of all relevant machine and operating data
A production control system is software for controlling, monitoring and optimizing production processes - especially in flexible production facilities. It connects machines with systems such as ERP, CAD/CAM and ensures a smooth flow of information and more efficient processes.
The system organizes workpiece throughput and the provision of operating resources. It controls processing machines, transport devices and other system components, activates individual process steps (e.g. NC processing, transports) and provides all the necessary information on the production process.
It also performs planning functions and records production and machine data.
A control system can be compared to the “brain” of a production plant - it thinks for itself and keeps everything running.
The core functions of the SOFLEX production control system at a glance:
- Detailed planning and order control
- Sequence control for automated production cells
- Provision of production data in real time (e.g. order data, work plans, workpiece data, ...)
- Organization of the provision of operating resources (e.g. tools, NC data, devices, ...)
- Acquisition of machine and operating data (MDE/BDE)
Here you will find an excerpt of realized customer projects and user reports that show the use of the SOFLEX production control system in practice: Successful SOFLEX users recommend themselves as references
Yes, the SOFLEX production control system has a modular structure and can be individually adapted to your specific requirements and processes.
We will be happy to advise you on a tailor-made solution that fits your production environment exactly.can the SOFLEX production control system be adapted to my requirements?
A SOFLEX production control system brings structure, transparency and efficiency
to your production - regardless of industry, plant size or degree of automation. The following advantages speak for the use of our solution:
- Universally applicable
The SOFLEX control system can be integrated into machines, automation equipment and systems regardless of the manufacturer - with the advantage of uniform operation and standardized processes throughout production. - Connection between IT organization and production
The automated, standardized exchange of information creates a seamless connection between the company's IT and the production environment. - Intuitive to use
An easy-to-understand user interface reduces the amount of training required - even for complex systems. - Scalable
From standalone machines to flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and smart factories: the SOFLEX control system grows with your requirements. - Modular design
The system can be expanded flexibly and as required - even retrospectively, with demand-oriented function modules. - Customizable
Whether you have experienced machine operators or semi-skilled operators, the system can be adapted to your operating structure.
With SOFLEX, you can rely on an experienced, flexible and future-proof partner who will optimize your production processes in the long term.
Our strengths at a glance:
- Many years of expertise
With over 2,200 installations worldwide and more than 40 years of experience in the implementation of complex production control systems, we have the knowledge and practical experience to successfully implement your project. - High degree of standardization
The use of proven standards for automated processes and interfaces ensures a stable, maintenance-friendly and cost-optimized product. - Maximum flexibility
Thanks to agile structures, we can react flexibly to individual customer requirements - from conceptual design to the implementation of customized solutions. - Long-term online support
Our 24/7 hotline, rapid fault analysis and continuous support from experienced experts guarantee you reliable support throughout the entire project duration - and beyond.
A SOFLEX production control system not only increases the efficiency of your production, but also ensures a quick return on your investment.
The most important arguments at a glance:
- Rapid return on investment
Even an investment of just 5-10% of the total project increases the productivity and utilization rate of your systems by an impressive 20-30%. - Efficient use of resources
By reducing the use of operating resources and optimizing the number of skilled workers required, additional potential savings can be made on production costs. - Continuous improvement process
Transparent production processes and the comprehensive recording of machine and operating data help you to systematically optimize your processes. - Low training costs
Thanks to intuitive user guidance, new employees can be quickly trained - saving time and training costs. - Online help in real time
Our fast support for user questions and in the event of a fault minimizes downtimes and ensures the productivity of your production.
A SOFLEX control system offers numerous advantages, which are made possible by its universal and manufacturer-neutral orientation:
Machines, automation equipment and systems from a wide range of suppliers can be operated with a SOFLEX control system. The uniform operation and standardized operation of different systems allows flexible personnel deployment and optimizes the need for skilled workers.
The neutrality of the SOFLEX solution creates maximum investment security and enables companies to remain technologically flexible in the future without having to commit to specific manufacturers.
In principle, SOFLEX can integrate all processing machines into a production control system - regardless of the manufacturer or control type. Thanks to an open and manufacturer-neutral system architecture, CNC machining centers, turning, milling and grinding machines as well as laser, eroding and measuring machines can be connected. Robots, workpiece and pallet handling devices as well as autonomous transport robots can be controlled by a SOFLEX control system.
Possible machine manufacturers:
✅ Milling & turning machines (e.g. Hermle, DMG MORI, Grob, Heller, Chiron, Mazak, Okuma,...)
✅ Grinding machines (e.g. Walter, Rollomatic, Studer, Blohm, JUNKER,...)
✅ EDM machines (e.g. GF, Charmilles, Makino,...)
SOFLEX offers the option of integrating all common automation solutions into a production control system - regardless of the manufacturer or system type. Thanks to an open, manufacturer-neutral system architecture, both simple and complex automation solutions can be easily connected. Robots, workpiece and pallet handling devices as well as autonomous transport robots are efficiently controlled via the SOFLEX control system.
Possible automation solutions:
✅ High-bay warehouse (e.g. Liebherr)
✅ Robot solutions (e.g. Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa)
✅ Pallet pools & changing systems (e.g. Wasserman)
✅ Automated guided vehicle systems (e.g. MIR, Omron)
SOFLEX control systems act as a link between production and the company's organizational IT systems. Thanks to standardized interfaces, a wide variety of systems can be connected efficiently - for continuous processes from the order to the finished product.
Possible connected systems:
✅ ERP systems (e.g. SAP, AP+, INFOR, ABAS, BAAN,...)
✅ MES solutions (e.g. FORCAM...)
✅ CAD/CAM systems (MASTERCAM, CATIA, COSCOM, EXAPT, RWT,...)
✅ PDM & PLM systems (TDM, WINTOOL,MDM, COSCOM, ...)
Compared to traditional MES systems (Manufacturing Execution Systems), SOFLEX goes much deeper into the
control and automation of production. While MES providers usually provide standardized functions such as production data acquisition, order tracking or quality management, SOFLEX also takes over the direct sequence control of machines, production cells and entire systems - including the coordination of transport and operating resources. This comprehensive integration enables even more precise and flexible control of the entire production process.
Im Vergleich zu klassischen MES-Systemen (Manufacturing Execution Systems) geht SOFLEX deutlich tiefer in die
Steuerung und Automatisierung der Fertigung. Während MES-Anbieter meist standardisierte Funktionen wie Betriebsdatenerfassung, Auftragsverfolgung oder Qualitätsmanagement bereitstellen, übernimmt SOFLEX zusätzlich die direkte Ablaufsteuerung von Maschinen, Fertigungszellen und gesamten Anlagen – inklusive der Koordination von Transport- und Betriebsmitteln. Diese umfassende Integration ermöglicht eine noch präzisere und flexiblere Steuerung der gesamten Fertigung.
The key difference lies in the focus of the systems:
- ERP systems are primarily geared towards the management of company resources such as finance, human resources, purchasing and sales.
- SOFLEX, on the other hand, concentrates on production-related processes - in particular the detailed planning, control and monitoring of production processes as well as the direct connection of machines and automation solutions.
SOFLEX therefore complements existing ERP systems and closes the gap between business planning and operational processes in production.
A typical project workflow with SOFLEX comprises several structured steps to ensure a smooth implementation:
- Specification - Definition of requirements
- Interface clarification - Documentation & coordination
- Programming & configuration - Setup and software customization
- System test - testing on a simulation basis
- Installation - installation on customer systems
- Training - user instruction
- Commissioning - assistance & support during start-up
- Customer service - long-term support and further development
This process ensures that the system is optimally adapted to the needs of the company and that continuous support is guaranteed even after commissioning.
The implementation time depends on various factors such as the size of the system, the range of functions and the level of integration.
For standard systems, the SOFLEX control system is usually ready for operation within a few days.
For more complex systems, where individual software modules need to be integrated, commissioning takes place in several stages. We work closely with all partners involved, such as machine manufacturers, automation suppliers and the providers of organizational systems (e.g. ERP). In such cases, commissioning can take several weeks.
A production control system is a central element of Industry 4.0, as it enables the digital networking of machines, processes and employees. It records and structures production data in real time, creates transparency across all production processes and forms the basis for automated processes, intelligent decision support and integration into higher-level systems such as ERP or MES.
In short: the production control system is the digital pacemaker for networked, flexible and data-driven production.