A computer based, assembly system specification tool enables information to be rapidly entered in a traceable format that enables rapid generation of a complete assembly line specification.

The European E-RACE project is in the final phases of development of a new, computer based, customer oriented, assembly system specification tool. This tool enables the information relevant to assembly to be rapidly entered in a structured and traceable format that enables the user to rapidly generate the specification for a complete assembly line. The tool provides web-based data entry forms which, when completed in sequence, will define one or more assembly system solutions that can be analysed for performance and cost.

The tool is currently demonstrated on the project website: www.e-race.info where a guided tour can be viewed.

The fully operating website is currently available to registered E-RACE members and associates.

These participants are able to use the full capabilties of the system; specifying products, developing the assembly sequence and defining the assembly system.

The project is keen to expand the base of associates and is looking for input from companies with a variety of interests and specialisms within manufacturing.

Anyone with interest in becoming involved, or just finding out more, should contact the project leaders TQC.

either through the E-RACE project Web site.

The E-RACE system is in it's final, pre-commercialisation, development phase.

By achieving the goals set out during the project's conception, the E-RACE tool will increase the accuracy of customer specifications and system reconfigurability whilst reducing both production lead times and overall costs.

This European project is led by TQC, a supplier of bespoke system integration solutions based in Nottingham, UK.

There are 23 partners across four countries: Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

A full list of the partners can be found at: www.e-race.info Within the UK, there are a total of nine consortium members.

The two main project development partners are TQC and The University of Nottingham.

TQC are the project co-ordinators and as such provide the overall management of the project.

TQC also provide information and research for the project.

The University of Nottingham are conducting research towards the system architecture, assembly planning and the requirement specification tool as well as the development of a prototype web portal.

There are five further industrial partners; Bespak Europe, Desoutter, GlaxoSmithKline, Riley Automation and System Devices.

These partners are providing the consortium with information and feedback from both a customer's and a supplier's point of view.

They will also be assisting with the dissemination activities, which is the specialist role of the final two partners; The British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and The PRIME Faraday Partnership.