Shop Management/dnc Software Recommendations?

Hi folks,

I'm setting up a production facility for the hardware company I'm working for. I've heard people talk about shop management/ DNC softwares but I haven't used any. More specifically:

1) Do you use software tools that allow you to remotely monitor your shop? I'll be traveling back and forth so it'd great if I could manage the shop remotely.

2) Are your machines connected to the internet or some sort of internal network? I've only loaded files using USB sticks - I know it's outdated and I'd like to learn about the new stuff.

Any help with managing machine shops using the "modern ways" - internet, software, whatever - will be greatly appreciated =) Thank you!

Take a look at "Factory Wiz". I don't use it anymore as I use DNC software that works well and is part of our package with Mastercam. I used their DNC software until about 10 years ago and it worked very well. I still get emails from them occasionally and they have really evolved. They offer monitoring software as well and are a pleasure to deal with. Here is their site:
http://www.rym.com

It's been a little while, so I am sure this package has advanced considerably. I spent several years with JobBOSS in an employer's shop. This was before DNC caught on, so I don't know how integrated that might be, if at all. We had a completely separate programming system, something old, like GZero. It is a very complete shop management and accounting program. If I were setting up a medium to large shop, I would take a hard look at it.

I've seen others, and been pushed by the home office to run trials, but it's JB for me. Here in my small shop, I was using DBA, but really it wasn't worth the trouble for me and a hand or two part timers.

http://jobboss.exactamerica.com/

http://www.dbamanufacturing.com/

I don't know the integration levels offered by MasterCAM, Esprit CAM (2-5 axis milling, 2-22 axis milling, 2-5 axis Wire EDM, etc.) or some of the high end packages, but I'd think you could find something that would do what you want it to.