LAUNCH OF MAGENTA SOLUTIONS LAB MAXIMISES FACTORY SCHEDULING

Magenta Technology, the leading developer of multi-agent and semantic network technologies, today announced the launch of the Magenta Factory Scheduling Solutions Lab. The Solutions Lab is a software development clinic that harnesses the power of Magenta's event-driven planning software to create intelligent networks that automatically maximise resource usage and productivity. Factory managers can use the Solutions Lab to develop M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions that will achieve a more competitive supply chain through faster, more effective decision-making.

For distributed systems like factory production lines to function at full effectiveness, there must be efficient communication between all elements of the system. This enables unpredictable events to be accommodated through dynamic and ongoing planning. Although advances in industrial equipment have made production lines more complex and multi-functional, the problem of poor M2M interaction still remains.

Magenta's Factory Scheduling Solutions Lab is a resource that helps managers address this lack of integration and interaction between machines by combining P2P (peer-to-peer) machine networks with Magenta's powerful new i-Scheduler software. By using intelligent networks, information can be shared between all areas of the production line to draw full value from the system. The Factory Scheduling Solutions Lab enables users to develop software solutions that will ensure effective management of the production line. When unexpected events arise that might hold up production, all elements of the production line communicate with each other to dynamically adjust and re-plan the production schedule.

The intelligent M2M communication allows many tasks to be automatically and independently carried out, generating benefits such as:

* Continuous real-time planning
* Optimising workload on equipment
* Improved equipment productivity
* Order prioritisation
* Reduced human error
* Management of all operations from a single workplace
* Automatic stock checking and replenishing
* Forecasting supply/demand levels and proactive recommendations based on business patterns

Jonathan Himoff, CEO of Magenta Technology, explains: "We can now enable intelligent communication between machines and devices in order to react and respond to real-world changes. As the web enabled interfaces for machines are more and more available, we can now connect complex schedules and streamline cooperation. In effect, multi-agent technology can be used as an intelligent middleware layer for hardware.

"By using the Magenta Solutions Lab, users can develop the machine-to-machine interaction capability that builds this much-needed flexibility into the production schedule. Factory managers can then be extremely responsive to the unexpected events that would typically cause costly delays, cancelled orders or loss of valuable business to the competition. Our Factory Scheduling Solutions Lab will give innovative businesses practical solutions to scheduling challenges, effectively supporting their business goals."