PanelWizz is a dynamic CAM, Estimating and Project control system, for sheet metal, and especially for architectural cladding panel fabrication, which has had over three decades of customisable bespoke adaptations built in.
This began in 1982 as a nesting system for a sheet metal punching machine. In the intervening time the software has been extensively developed and enhanced to become one of the most powerful and functionally rich low cost systems in the world giving user unprecedented high quality automation and productivity.
Fleming Software Ltd has been defined by our willingness to customise the software at the customer’s request. We can build the core systems in as an internal part of your existing IT infrastructure to create solutions closely geared to the way you work with optimal automation and productivity.
Over time, as customer’s have asked for bespoke development to oversee a change of machine or material, we have built that into the software. And all those options and integrations…they’re still there! We can set up and re-set up PanelWizz as required, to change as you need it to change.
At Fleming Software ltd we pride ourselves on offering a friendly and supportive service both directly and via a network of local resellers, which is why the worlds largest panel suppliers have chosen us for the past 16 years.
So where did it all begin?
1982 Counting House
The history of Fleming Software begins in 1982, when our founder was working for Counting House and took control of the team developing a CAD CAM Software. The main project in progress at the time was a Nesting System, to compliment the GNC CAM system, for a company in Somerset. Whilst developing this software, they added a database and production scheduling; together these became QNEST.
In 1986, a second customer purchased QNEST and whilst working with the customer our founder saw an opportunity to automate the cutter path creation of parts before they went into Qnest. This became Automatic Machining.
Meanwhile, to support a request for a 3D CAD System, our founder approached Isykon GmbH. About their 3D CAD system PROREN, translated it to English, and added a sheet metal module to it, and this became PROREN-SM, which together with Automatic Machining and Q-Nest, offered what at the time was the most advanced and comprehensive sheet metal CAD/CAM system in the world.
In 1988, Counting House went into liquidation unexpectedly and our founder, his team and the Proren SM customers were left without support for their software. Our founder seized the opportunity and established Fleming Software Ltd.
1988 Fleming Software Ltd
Punching machines
At this time, Fleming Software Ltd was selling Proren SM (CAD System), Automating Machining and QNEST (CAM Systems) and was developing a Shop Floor Management system for customers fabricating sheet metal parts. Fleming Software Ltd grew exponentially; focusing primarily on turret punch press machinery, including more specialised machines such as the Salvagnini S4 and P4.
1991 Isykon UK
In 1991, Isykon GmbH. purchased 51% shares in Fleming Software Ltd and Fleming Software Ltd was rebranded as Isykon UK.
Recession of 1992
The recession of 1992 had widespread consequences for many in the steel industry and one such company was Isykon GmbH. who went into liquidation. Fleming Software Ltd was able to purchase back the 51% shares owned by Isykon GmbH. and the company name returned to Fleming Software Ltd.
Lasers
During this period of significant change, Proren SM was sold off and merged with the developing and up-coming SolidEdge CAD system. Fleming Software Ltd continued to support Proren-SM in this transition period, and to sell Automatic Machining and QNEST which at this time was adapted to also be used with Laser and Laser/Punch combo Machines.
1997 Rewrite for PCs
The age of Personal Computers began to accelerate and so with the dawn of a new era, Fleming Software Ltd responded by rewriting AM and QNEST for PCs.
1998 New Customers
With new customers came new custom requests. By 1998, Fleming Software offered a wide range of bespoke software development which was added to AM and QNEST as customisable options, and quickly Fleming Software Ltd became the leading Sheet Metal and CAM experts in the UK.
One such custom request came from a company in Scotland who requested to automate the drawing process for Architectural Cladding Panels. The custom software that was built was so valuable that Fleming Software Ltd was initially bound contractually by limitations on its re-sale, however, our founder worked on a subsequent project with this customer and part of that deal was a release from the earlier contractual constraints.
2008 Entering the Panel Fabrication Market
CNC flat bed routers
Now free to trade, Fleming Software Ltd adapted the software again for a variety of CNC Flat Bed Routers. A Global Marketing Campaign resulted in some of the largest cladding suppliers in the world to purchase AM and QNEST.
Whilst continuing to provide bespoke software solutions, customisations, an order pipeline system and an ERP system; Fleming Software Ltd provided the software support through a network of local resellers, such as Advanced Drafting and Design, that continues to lead the ACM industry.
2018 Launching PanelWizz
After 10 years Automatic Machining, QNEST and its many adaptable customisations were consolidated, rewritten and rebranded as PanelWizz.
This caught the attention of Joseph Machine Company who agreed to be our reseller in the USA and Canada, providing support and selling PanelWizz, both on its own and alongside the Alu Ranger vertical router table. This partnership has proven to be incredibly successful and is still ongoing.
2021 The Alu Ranger Vertical Bed Router
CNC vertical bed routers
With the all new OneR and VGROOVE, came new challenges for PanelWizz and consequently the software has been heavily adapted for a very close fit with the Alu Ranger machine range to create a system with optimal productivity, and also to offer a single software solution across all router types in use by the customers.
2022 UK Reseller
With the success of the partnership with Joseph Machine Company, Fleming Software Ltd recieved the exciting news that Pro Composite Solutions had also agreed to be a reseller of PanelWizz in the UK.