Posted to News on 7th Jan 2012, 17:01
Technical File management software for CE marking machinery
CESystems is introducing CETech Technical File management software for CE marking machines to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Not only does this software aid regulatory compliance, but it also reduces the time, effort, risk and cost involved in generating a Technical File and maintaining it through the life of a machine. Furthermore, the cost-effective licensing structure is said to make the package considerably less expensive than alternatives. For machine Technical Files, a newly developed CEMach module is incorporated within the standard CETech software suite.
Easy to understand, the CETech software guides users through the steps involved in generating a Technical File. A system of colour-coded flags highlights outstanding actions, yet the user is not prevented from progressing other aspects of the Technical File until these are completed.
Documents can be imported into the database so that copies are stored in a central location (for ease of compiling the complete Technical File should the regulatory authorities demand a copy). It is also simple to import images of machines, rating plates or anything else that could assist in managing the CE marking process and management of the Technical File. While the software licensee can upload documents and edit the database, suppliers can also be granted permission to upload files - but not to edit anything. A built-in audit trail means that all changes to the database are traceable.
Reports and alerts
Reports can be generated showing the status of the Technical File's different elements, and a diary is incorporated within the software so that users are alerted about the expiry of certifications, standards and other documentation. Similarly, critical component reviews can be scheduled where appropriate. Alerts can be issued both through CETech and by email.
CETech enables information about suppliers and test houses to be stored and maintained, and the machine's progress through its lifecycle can be updated as appropriate.
Depending on the user's response to a series of questions, CETech indentifies whether the machine only has to comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive or whether it also has to comply with others, such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or the EMC Directive. The database is supplied preloaded with lists of Harmonised standards for the different Directives, and these can be updated as required. By making use of the built-in RSS reader and the RSS feeds available on the European Commission website, users can be notified automatically in the event of the Harmonised standards being amended. When standards are superseded or amended, the CETech database can be searched easily to find which machines have been designed to those standards so that appropriate action can be taken.
Hosting on the cloud
Customers can either purchase CETech for use as a standalone system on a desktop PC or, for a monthly fee, the software can be hosted on the Cloud for access wherever the licensee is located. This second option includes 20GB of storage, which is typically sufficient for 2500 Technical File documents.
Compared with systems developed in-house by machine builders using Excel, Sage, Access or other generalist software packages, CETech is said to be far more rigorous in its approach to Technical File management. Automated updates and alerts help to reduce the risk that a machine will become non-compliant without the user's knowledge. In the event of the regulatory authorities requesting information, CETech makes it far easier to respond in a timely manner.
Follow the links to find out more about CTech Technical File management software or to download a brochure (2.8 MB PDF).
