Orchestration of Automatic Cells
What is AIDA FENA?
Management of machinery and materials in automated production cells.
Fabrication Execution & Network Automation: A system for automated and robotic production cells in which machines, materials, and the sequence of operations must be actively managed. AIDA FENA does not merely allow the machine to report the completion of an operation; rather, it assigns tasks to the machine and monitors the entire execution process.
Inspection of Machinery and Materials
The system simultaneously tracks the status of tasks, parts, materials, tools, and cells. When a part enters a cell, FENA knows where it came from, what needs to be done with it, and where it goes after completion.
Implementation, not just oversight
AIDA FENA does not wait for the machine to signal that it is ready. The system actively manages the sequence of operations: it sends parameters, monitors the machine’s status, and coordinates robots and buffers within the cell. Each operation is a task, not just a record.
Key functions
What AIDA FENA covers?
Four areas for managing automated production cells.
Breaking Down a Task into Action Items
Converting production orders into specific tasks for each machine, with defined sequences, parameters, and materials.
Managing Machines and Recipes
Automatic transmission of programs, parameters, and recipes to PLCs, CNC machines, and robot controllers.
Orchestration of Cells and Robotics
Coordination of the robot, buffer, safety logic, and synchronization among multiple machines within the cell.
Traceability of Operations and Parts
Tracking of each part from entry into the cell to exit, with a record of every operation, tool, and parameter.
Benefits
Why AIDA FENA?
A system that not only tells the machine what to do, but also actively manages the entire production process within the cell: from picking up a part to transferring it to the next station.
Active management, not just oversight
The machine receives the job, parameters, and material from the system: the operator does not need to manually run programs or enter data.
Full traceability by item
Every part is tracked through every operation. You know exactly what happened, on which machine, with which tool, and at what time.
Coordination of Complex Cells
Multiple machines, robots, and buffers are coordinated through a single control logic. No manual synchronization is required between operations.
Integration with Drive Systems
FENA communicates with PLCs, CNCs, robot controllers, and other AIDA modules through a single data layer.
Where is AIDA FENA used?
Laser Cutting and Metal Processing
CNC Machining and Robotic Welding
Combined Cells and Integrated Systems
Where does AIDA FENA fit into the operational chain?
MACHINE - CELL
AIDA FENA
Executive Control of Machine and Robot Cells
Current Module
Comparison
FENA or MES?
Both systems manage production operations, albeit at different levels. MES coordinates the entire production process: it schedules tasks and communicates with the ERP system. FENA goes one level deeper: it controls individual machines and robotic cells, sends recipes, and tracks each item throughout the production process.
AIDA FENA
Machine and Cell Level
AIDA FENA manages operations at the level of individual machines and robotic cells. It sends recipes and parameters directly to the PLC or CNC, orchestrates the sequence of operations within the cell, and coordinates robots, buffers, and safety logic. It tracks every part from entry into the cell to exit. If you have robotic cells or CNC centers that require active management, FENA is the system for you.
AIDA MES
Operations Level
AIDA MES manages production at the level of the entire production line. It assigns production orders to machines and workstations, tracks the sequence of operations, records material consumption, and maintains complete traceability records. It communicates directly with the ERP system—receiving orders and reporting statuses. If you’re interested in an overview of the entire production process from a single location, MES is the system for you.