As with all PSL Datatrack updates, many of the new features have been driven by ideas submitted through the company’s popular Wishlist programme, which allows customers to suggest improvements based on their day-to-day experience. Each submission is carefully reviewed for its wider benefit to the user community, ensuring that developments provide genuine, practical value.

“Our customers’ feedback is central to every enhancement we make,” comments Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack. “The latest version of our subcontract manufacturing software reflects that ongoing collaboration, bringing together features that save time, strengthen visibility and simplify compliance. It’s another step in helping subcontract precision engineers run their businesses more efficiently and profitably.”

Among the headline additions is the new Goods Received ‘Bar Wizard’, a simple but powerful utility that takes material traceability to the next level by allowing individual bars to be tracked beyond traditional batch-level monitoring.

Other key enhancements include suggested quotation wastage calculation, improving the accuracy and speed of quotations; automatic updating of Material Stocks to reflect changes in purchase orders; and Sequential Scheduler module developments that deliver smarter capacity analysis and greater control.

Users will also benefit from new account types for clearer customer and supplier management, enhanced stock logging for better ISO 9001 traceability and the ability to automatically save purchase orders and order acknowledgements to PDF, strengthening the system’s document management capabilities.

Additional updates include a Work In Progress (WIP) Valuation Report for real-time visibility, new invoice analysis reports for enhanced financial accuracy and a digitally signed application to support Cyber Essentials certification.

As an all-encompassing production control software solution, combining elements of MRP software and ERP software for subcontractors, PSL Datatrack connects every stage of production – from quoting and purchasing through to works order management, scheduling, shop floor data collection (SFDC) and invoicing. This ensures complete visibility and control at every stage of the manufacturing process.

The 2025 version of PSL Datatrack is available now and is free to all customers with a valid maintenance & support contract. Any new users implementing the system in the coming months will automatically be installed on this latest release.

“PSL Datatrack continues to evolve through close collaboration with our customers,” concludes Geoff. “We’re already developing features for the next version, again focusing on the real-world challenges our users face every day. Their input ensures the system continues to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, control and quality – from the office to the shop floor.”

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Status Boards have been a popular feature of PSL Datatrack’s modular system for many years, trusted by manufacturers to deliver clear visual instructions to all departments on any aspect of production. Traditionally, these boards have been tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer, ensuring that they see only what is most relevant to their business.

The new release, however, introduces a simpler entry point: four ready-to-use boards that offer instant access to crucial production metrics, ideal for smaller businesses or those who may not yet have clearly defined requirements, but know they need a clearer overview of their daily activities.

Each of the new Status Boards provides valuable insight into different areas of production control, designed to tackle three prevalent pain points among subcontractors. These are a constant lack of time, management of sales and maintenance of a steady cash flow.

The first board focuses on live works orders, giving office teams a clear, real-time overview of the customer order book. This display enables staff to monitor customer and internal stock replenishment orders at-a-glance and ultimately saves time while reducing communication bottlenecks.

With this board in place, key decision makers can stay up-to date on order statuses, easily identify any order that requires attention and respond promptly to customer enquiries with accurate information. This transparency strengthens client relationships through improved response times and service reliability which, in turn, contributes to loyalty and long-term profitability.

The next board, focused on outstanding material stock purchase orders, is an essential tool for purchasers requiring real-time visibility into material supply for ongoing production. By displaying all outstanding material stock orders on one board, users can easily monitor what materials are on order, identify any items with potential delays and thus ensure that material arrives in time to meet manufacturing demands.

With instant access to purchasing information, staff can proactively manage supplier relationships, quickly address potential stock shortfalls and coordinate with production teams to minimise disruption. This level of oversight helps avoid costly downtime due to missing materials and keeps production schedules on track, resulting in greater efficiency and lasting profitability.

The third of the new boards offers invaluable insight for team members managing customer orders and inventory by highlighting components that have been allocated to specific works orders, but remain undelivered to the customer.

This visibility is especially important from an invoicing perspective, as an invoice cannot be generated until a delivery note has been created and processed for the customer. By monitoring these undelivered components, however, users can proactively manage shipments and therefore reduce invoicing delays, helping to streamline cash flow and boost profits.

The final board is the Work To List, a critical display for shop floor staff that provides a clear, organised view of what they should currently be working on and which job is next. Utilising data from the powerful Sequential Scheduler module, this board provides a structured roadmap, allowing employees to focus on the most urgent tasks and ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most.

This immediate visibility empowers individuals to efficiently plan and manage their daily workflow, reducing the time spent determining what they should be doing and enhancing productivity. By ensuring that high-priority jobs are handled promptly, this board supports long-standing client satisfaction and helps the business maintain a strong reputation for reliability. Increased profitability is the ultimate result, thanks to minimised idle time and the reduced risk of missed deadlines.

As well as the clear immediate benefits of running the new Status Boards, each also offers significant flexibility for future customisation. Customers can opt to refine or expand them with custom metrics, colour-coding adjustments and/or new layouts when the time is right.

According to Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack, the new boards address a common need among precision engineers for clear, concise information without an initial commitment to customisation.

“Our goal with these new boards is to give businesses a straightforward starting point. We understand that some organisations want live production data, but may not yet know precisely which metrics are most valuable to them,” Geoff explains. “With these off-the-shelf boards, users can see real-time production information immediately, assess their needs and then consider further customisation when and if their requirements evolve.”

The release of the new Status Boards therefore stands as a testament to PSL Datatrack’s ongoing mission to support subcontract precision engineers in achieving efficient, data-driven production control in an increasingly digital industry.

As Geoff concludes: “Visibility and accessibility of data are critical for our user base. With these new Status Boards, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses to start leveraging real-time data for better operational control and, therefore, greater profitability.”

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These videos are designed to support new and existing users by offering comprehensive overviews of key modules and processes within the software, reinforcing their understanding alongside PSL Datatrack’s tailored customer training plans.

The AI training videos provide concise, accessible content that can be utilised at any time, allowing users to familiarise themselves with essential features and start with the basics of Company Details, Cost Centres and Material Stocks. Mastery of these areas is crucial early on, as the records created here form the foundation for accurate quotations and ensure a smooth flow of data through to final delivery and invoicing.

These new resources complement the live training sessions delivered by PSL Datatrack’s expert support team, who guide customers through the modular system via Zoom. This approach ensures that users not only learn at their own pace, but also receive personalised support tailored to their specific needs.

The videos have already received positive feedback from PSL Datatrack clients. One new user comments: “The training videos are a great addition to PSL Datatrack. They are clear, concise and easy to follow. The way they enhance visibility within the software is particularly beneficial for our team and has significantly contributed to our smooth and efficient onboarding process.”

Since its incorporation in 1988, PSL Datatrack’s focus has always been on its customers and how it can help them get the most from their investment in production control software. This commitment is underlined by the development of the new training videos.

Understanding the unique requirements of the subcontract precision engineering industry, PSL Datatrack continually improves its training offerings to ensure a slick and timely implementation of the software, ultimately leading to a streamlined production process and maximum return on investment.

Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack, concludes: “The introduction of the new AI-powered training videos reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and ensure that our customers fully leverage the capabilities of our software. We are thrilled with the positive feedback received so far and will continue to expand and improve our training resources alongside development of the system itself.”

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PSL Datatrack enables its users to manufacture quality components that are right first time, sold at the right price and delivered on time. The system provides vital information to management and the shop floor in the most efficient way possible and is scalable to meet the unique requirements of the business using it. Starting with a quotation, the system navigates the user through sales orders, purchasing, scheduling, quality and more, ending at the point of customer invoice.

The new ‘Bar Wizard’ is integrated within the Goods Received module, offering users a quick and efficient method to create separate Goods Received Notes (GRNs) for each bar within a delivery. This utility is designed to meet the stringent traceability needs of customers who must track individual bars of material, whether purchased in metres or kilograms, to meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and other accreditations.

An additional button appears when booking in materials, providing an intuitive user interface. Users can continue to raise a single GRN in the traditional manner or switch to the ‘Bar Wizard’ for detailed itemisation, specifying lengths or weights for each bar received. The utility opens in its own frame, allowing users to see booking details concurrently and ensuring all quantities are accurately accounted for before finalising the GRNs.

The Goods Received module itself is designed to track complete receipts with full traceability and storage of Supplier/Mill certificates. It automatically updates corresponding purchase orders and material stock records, ensuring seamless integration and accurate inventory management. It also ensures that the user does not have to re-enter any purchasing data at the purchase invoicing stage.

“Goods Received also simplifies the process of partially received orders, making the outstanding balance clearly visible and ensuring secure digital storage of all relevant supplier documentation,” comments Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack.

PSL Datatrack continues to develop features that streamline production processes, enabling its customers to save time, increase sales and ultimately maintain a steady cash flow. The new ‘Bar Wizard’ is another testament to PSL Datatrack’s aim to supply a practical, simple and logical solution to controlling production and helping users to manage their businesses more efficiently.

“The introduction of the ‘Bar Wizard’ marks a significant advancement in how our customers can manage their material traceability,” Geoff concludes. “This feature not only supports our commitment to precision and efficiency but also caters to the growing demand for detailed traceability in the subcontract precision engineering industry.”

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The flexible module efficiently manages ‘make to order’ and ‘make for stock’ processes, seamlessly translating quotations into sales orders and overseeing the entire manufacturing workflow to invoicing. Whether for single components, products utilising a Bill of Materials (BOM) or an assembly structure, Works Orders dynamically caters to the diverse production needs of PSL Datatrack users.

Updates available in the latest version of PSL Datatrack empower users with unprecedented control and flexibility over their sales orders, reinforcing PSL Datatrack’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the unique needs of precision engineering businesses. These enhancements are poised to transform the way manufacturers manage their entire production processes.

A configurable date limit now ensures the system only allows copying of a works order or creation of a new generation from it within a specified time frame, enhancing precision and relevance. On this theme, another new setting mandates users to specify whether a works order is Automotive or Non-automotive, if relevant, ensuring accuracy in customer references.

The system also offers new configuration settings for splitting BOM works orders. These intelligent splitting options provide control over whether the system proposes the quantity to split based on stock availability, ensuring seamless allocation without compromising batch integrity. Users also gain control over the status of split works orders, determining whether they should be set to ‘pending’ or inherit the same status as the donor works order.

Additionally, a new configuration option enables the inclusion of pending works orders in order acknowledgements, providing flexibility in the acknowledgement process.

Finally, a new menu option simplifies the creation of multiple copies of a works order, streamlining the processing of a schedule of orders. Configuration options are available to provide control and set defaults, reducing manual effort.

These enhancements collectively empower manufacturers to navigate the intricacies of their workflows seamlessly, promoting accuracy, efficiency and adaptability in today’s dynamic precision engineering landscape.

“The Works Orders module is the heartbeat of our system, and these developments represent a significant step in providing our users with unparalleled control and adaptability,” comments Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack. “We remain committed to delivering solutions that elevate the efficiency of precision engineering businesses, and these updates underscore that commitment.”

Subcontractors looking to stay ahead in a competitive market can therefore leverage the new functionality available in PSL Datatrack’s Works Orders module to optimise their precision engineering operations, reduce human error and ultimately enhance overall productivity.

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A fundamental aspect of the new Dual Scheduling feature is its focus on machine availability, allowing for a realistic and practical assessment of what can be achieved in the workshop. This capacity-based approach offers a clear view of potential bottlenecks, ensuring a more robust and achievable production schedule is generated.

Dual Scheduling brings a host of advantages to PSL Datatrack users by taking multiple planning constraints into account. Including a view of the Sequential Scheduler module calculated by target date now ensures that hours not scheduled are displayed and utilised effectively. This Just-in-Time (JIT) scheduling view maximises operational efficiency and eliminates wasted time on the shop floor.

By utilising Dual Scheduling, users of the software therefore maintain an optimal balance between production and recovery time, avoiding any compromises that might affect overall productivity.

PSL Datatrack has worked hard to ensure that both views are displayed side-by-side and can be set up anywhere around a factory via Status Boards, providing users with an all-encompassing view of their production landscape. An additional screen may be commissioned to provide detailed insights into late jobs, empowering businesses to promptly address issues and ultimately maintain customer satisfaction.

Jota Advanced Engineering Limited, an enthusiastic user of PSL Datatrack, has emphasised the significance of the Dual Scheduling innovation. “We have been working with PSL Datatrack to manage all of our production capabilities and have recently collaborated with them to develop an extension to the software where we can ‘plan to capacity’ using Dual Scheduling,” comments Ryan Goodger, Director.

“By integrating an ‘hours not scheduled by target date’ feature, the system can automatically schedule all relevant jobs further back in the production queue. This allows us to analyse the risk for the latest a job can be scheduled, as it gives full visibility of our capacity and any potential production gaps,” continues Ryan.

The new Dual Scheduling feature therefore highlights PSL Datatrack’s commitment to streamlining the entire production process, empowering subcontractors by enhancing operational efficiency and reliability throughout.

“The system itself is logical, innovative and gives us the flexibility to reschedule jobs without missing a deadline. The visibility of the system has been tailored specifically to suit our needs and to help us grow and adapt,” concludes Ryan.

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PSL Datatrack is a flexible, modular production control software system designed for subcontract precision engineers. Its Quotations module is often described as the software equivalent of setting a machine tool and is where the system starts.

Utilisation of PSL Datatrack means users no longer need to manually calculate costs or consult various Excel spreadsheets or Word documents. Accurate quotations are instead generated, aided by automatic calculations, quote templates and/or historical data. With faster and more accurate quotations, subcontractors can respond to customer enquiries quickly, reducing the time spent on administration.

The latest version of PSL Datatrack enables users to manage and report on a sales pipeline to provide a forecast for quotations that they believe will be successful. This information can also be displayed on Status Boards, visual display screens that can be set up anywhere around a factory. Status Boards are becoming ever more popular in sales offices to show figures including actual sales versus projections and targets.

PSL Datatrack also helps to automate the production planning process by optimising resource allocation, prioritising works orders and creating efficient production schedules. Implementation of the system’s Sequential Scheduler module eliminates the need for manual planning methods, such as ticketing systems, reducing the time and effort taken to create and amend production plans.

A recent Sequential Scheduler enhancement allows machine setters to be classed as resources, meaning the order of work through the machine shop can now be more efficiently managed. Shop floor staff have an even clearer plan of their workload and upcoming jobs.

PSL Datatrack also provides real-time visibility into the status of customer orders. Subcontractors can track the progress of each works order from initial confirmation to production and delivery and the system can now be configured to include or exclude pending works orders from being acknowledged.

This development ties in with the software’s newest module, Contract Review, which ensures that all required contract review elements, in line with the user’s quality manual, have been checked and approved for a specific job or project.

Live order tracking provides clear transparency whilst building trust and enhancing customer satisfaction. It also minimises queries and customer service requests, freeing up time for the sales team to focus on new leads and opportunities.

The PSL Datatrack system contains vast reporting capabilities, many of which deliver insights into sales performance. Users can analyse sales data, identify trends and evaluate the effectiveness of their sales strategies. These insights enable them to refine their sales approaches, focus on high-value opportunities and allocate resources effectively. PSL Datatrack can develop bespoke reports to support data-driven decision making, helping subcontractors optimise their sales efforts and achieve greater results.

With cash flow in mind, traceability of raw materials and finished components is key. By optimising stock levels and avoiding overstocking, subcontractors can reduce carrying costs and associated financial risks.

Recent improvements to PSL Datatrack’s Material and Component Stocks modules means editing of ‘in stock’ transactions and quantities can now be limited to authorised users. This reduces the risk of staff error and provides a more accurate representation of inventory levels.

Effective inventory management ensures that users have the necessary materials to complete works orders without incurring unnecessary expenses or delays. This, in turn, supports a smoother cash flow by minimising excess inventory costs and avoiding missed opportunities due to stock shortages.

All of this new PSL Datatrack functionality, coupled with the system’s existing capabilities, enables users to focus more on core activities in today’s fast-paced business landscape, maintaining a competitive edge that is crucial for both current and long-term success.

“We know the subcontract precision engineering industry and understand the needs and requirements of our customers. The latest version of PSL Datatrack production control software further empowers them to reduce time spent on administration, improve their sales processes and protect their cash flow,” concludes Geoff Gartland, Managing Director.

The post Boosting Sales And Cash Flow: Latest PSL Datatrack Version Designed To Save Time appeared first on PSL Datatrack.

This builds on the previous ability to copy orders one by one and provides an automated solution, enabling users to progress with more productive and profitable engineering tasks. The system wizard helps by giving the user control over the number of copies and interval between deliveries. In addition, there are options for how the purchase order and line number are replicated or incremented.

This wizard allows users to decide if the interval should be days, weeks or months, with the customer’s due date and the scheduled date automatically adjusted. Once the interval has been determined, the user can choose to increment or copy the purchase order number and line number.

A final option controls the sequencing for the new works order numbers to determine if they are separate order numbers or generations of the original. The user has the opportunity to confirm the replication settings prior to processing, reducing the risk of human error. As with all PSL Datatrack functionality, configuration options control the default settings that can be overridden for ease of use.

This is the latest in a number of features PSL Datatrack has introduced in recent versions with the intention of saving subcontract precision engineers valuable time and effort when raising orders. The Works Order Generator, another popular wizard, enables creation of multiple works orders across a range of different components.

All of this streamlined functionality is fully compatible with the system’s new Contract Review module, designed to ensure that all contract review elements have been checked and approved for a specific job or project whilst adhering to ISO 9001, AS9100 and other industry accreditations.

“Our system is designed to help our customers streamline their entire production process and the new Replicate Works Order function is another example of increased efficiency with production control software,” concludes Geoff Gartland, Managing Director.

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The BTMA is known as ‘THE’ trade association for UK manufacturing companies producing precision turned parts and machined components, aiming to develop and promote all aspects of the industry on both a domestic and a global basis while acting generally in the common interest of its members since it was founded circa 50 years ago.

As a Technical Member of the BTMA, PSL Datatrack has played an active role in supporting Manufacturing Members with its expertise in production control software, designed to streamline the entire production process from quotation to invoice. “We are proud to be the only supplier of production control software to be a member of the BTMA, an association representing the best of the best of British Manufacturing,” comments Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack.

Since PSL Datatrack joined the association in 2003, the subcontract precision engineering industry as a whole has made great strides forward and benefitted from advancements in machining technology and software that have improved both manufacturing methods and business processes. PSL Datatrack has assisted many subcontractors – not just BTMA members – in making the move from time-consuming manual production administration to a powerful, industry-focussed system.

Geoff sees membership of the BTMA as offering many major benefits, besides networking, to any active member irrespective of size, expertise or experience. “It’s a platform for all members to exchange views and experiences for the benefit of others – whether through formal face-to-face meetings, via online discussions or at organised formal and social events. We may be operating in different markets and facing different operational challenges, but we support each other through shared experiences,” says Geoff. This reaffirms the association’s strapline, Stronger Together.

The BTMA Officers assess the suitability of all applicants; membership is awarded and not just purchased, as is the case with some trade associations. It is a quality-driven association and all members should be seen as adding value by playing an active part in it, attending meetings and offering support.

A number of PSL Datatrack customers are Manufacturing Members of the BTMA. One of the early companies to adopt the software was Wealdpark Limited, whose Director Phil Smith is a past president of the BTMA. “We have successfully invested in PSL Datatrack modules over a number of years. They have helped us transition from our outdated spreadsheet-based method to a system where all the administration associated with any order is automatically recorded, progressed through the shop floor and is fully traceable,” comments Phil, who was able to consult with fellow Manufacturing Members already using PSL Datatrack over the suitability of the software.

Geoff concludes: “The BTMA does an excellent job in educating and supporting all of its members. Alongside interaction with other organisations, membership also has many other advantages from both a credibility viewpoint and practical benefits, including access to technical and market reports and training. We look forward to continuing our membership for another 20 years!”

Click here to listen to a recent podcast explaining more about the BTMA, Wealdpark Limited and how they work with PSL Datatrack.

To find out more about the BTMA, visit www.btma.org or contact Peter Hobbs, Director, by emailing info@btma.org.

The post PSL Datatrack Reaches 20 Years Of BTMA Membership appeared first on PSL Datatrack.

The purpose of this new development is to ensure that all required contract review elements, in line with the user’s quality manual, have been checked and approved for a specific job or project.

Whether a subcontract company is AS9100 accredited or granted Fit For Nuclear (F4N) and requires a more formal contract review, or accredited to ISO 9001 or other standards and requires a less strict contract review, the review is nevertheless a key aspect of their operation.

It ensures that the relevant steps at quotation and/or works order stage are performed by authorised users, ultimately adhering to formal customer agreements and schedules. Integrating these procedures within PSL Datatrack clearly shows what actions are outstanding for each relevant quote or works order and who needs to the perform the activity in question.

In line with PSL Datatrack’s overall approach to supplying production control software to subcontractors, this is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution and benefits from the input of established system users.

The new module caters for variable checks depending on the customer and component in question and there is security built in to ensure that only authorised users can sign off specific elements of a contract review.

Each user has a risk level, which specifies the highest risk level of review items that user is authorised to approve within Works Orders. Comments can be left against all items with details of who approved them and when. Management can revoke items if dissatisfied or approval was made in error.

Users will begin by defining review elements, for each customer, that form a relevant contract review. At the quoting stage, users will be required to approve feasibility study items with the option to refine the review elements that need to be signed off at the works order stage.

The entire PSL Datatrack system totals in excess of 1500 configuration options and this new module can also be configured in many ways. For example, the user can choose whether the system issues a warning message or prevents a delivery being made for a works order that has low risk items outstanding for review.

Also depending on the configuration set, if a works order requires a contract review the system will check to see if the associated quotation has Review Codes defined. If it does the works order will inherit them, if not the system will check the customer default.

Contract review progress can be tracked on the flexible Quotations and Works Orders listing screens and the module is delivered with a number of standard reports, which can be customised by PSL Datatrack to show additional or new information if desired by the customer.

Users can define groups that personnel belong to for listing screen filtering, reporting and even display on real time digital Status Boards.

PSL Datatrack has received excellent feedback from users that have already added the Contract Review module and subcontract precision engineering companies installing the system in the coming months will be offered it as part of their modular package.

“As is the case with any new feature we develop, Contract Review has benefitted from the collaboration of ideas between PSL Datatrack and our established user base to ensure that we continue to provide the most effective and flexible modules possible,” concludes Geoff Gartland, Managing Director.

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