The P.E.P. software AUTOMATICALLY maintains SEVEN seamless databases. The databases maximize the productivity of the user through the interaction of the databases with the P.E.P. software and the management of the user's files. The following is an overview of the jobs performed by the DRAWING, NESTED PLATE, MATERIAL, TIMING, MACHINE, LEAD-INS/OUT and W.I.P. databases:

• The databases allow the user to find, retrieve and report information concerning Nests, Drawings, Materials and Jobs in a matter of seconds regardless of where the files are located or the type of data to be reported, including files on the network. As incredible as it sounds, the database maintains the status and location of files through the seamless database interfaces designed into the P.E.P. software. The type of data contained in each database varies, but absolutely everything that is pertinent to the user’s job is stored so that it can be retrieved.
• The DRAWING and NESTED PLATE directories are actually databases. The way the software updates the databases automatically eliminates any possibility of intertwining the files. The Drawing database currently tracks ten individual fields per drawing, and hold up to 30,000 drawings. When working in either the Drawing or the Nested plate directories; the software does not rely on the user to hunt and peck for files searching a directory tree for the file name. Drawing and Nested plates directories allow the user to find drawings and nests by typing the required name or filtering the databases by one or more of the parameter fields tracked in the databases. The directories and the filter both use consecutive character search patterns, it is not necessary to spell out entire words. When changing Nested plate directories, only those directories that have Nests inside the directory will appear on the directory list. This ensures that everyone who works within P.E.P. is able to find the nest they are looking for quickly and easily, and files do not get saved in the oddest of places.
• The data in the databases is kept in an ASCII open file format that can be interfaced with other products and the data passed between them automatically, such as MRP software products.
• The databases ensure that duplicates never exist. Prior to any drawing being created, copied, or moved, the software checks the database and prompts the user to overwrite the master or to copy and rename the newly created file.
• The databases eliminate having to enter data into a third party software program.
• The MATERIAL database allows the user to enter the material cost, material type, description, density and feed rate. This information is used to calculate cutting times and to display material costs on reports.
• The TIMING database allows the user to set time parameters for each machine and gage of material.
• The MACHINE database stores information about each machines unique cutting parameters such as: works zone size, clamp size, clamp zones, track length, etc. The machine and material databases working together allow the user to compare cutting times and other considerations.
• The LEAD-IN\OUT database allows the user to define lead-ins by machine type, material gage and geometry type. Once the database is filled in the correct lead-in\out will be assigned automatically regardless of the machine type or gage material.
• The W.I.P. database:

a) Can be automatically updated by extracting data from MRP and front office software products.

b) Stores everything about current and future jobs that are in the system.

c) Generates scheduling and status reports required by the user.

d) Automatically nests according to the criteria entered (e.g. date, material, work order, etc.).

e) Tracks historical data about past jobs so the information can be retrieved at a later date.