In manufacturing, cutting plans rarely behave the way theory says they should. Materials vary, orders change. Machines have limits. A truly efficient process comes from software that understands those realities. That is exactly where SECANT stands apart.

Developed by Peninsula Services Limited, SECANT is cut planning software built on more than 35 years of real-world optimisation experience. It is trusted by manufacturers and stockholders worldwide because it works the way people on the shop floor actually work.

Built on Serious Science, Shaped by Industry

Peninsula Services Ltd was incorporated in 1987 by scientists from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, led by Brian Foster. Our goal was clear: apply advanced linear programming algorithms to solve complex industrial manufacturing and distribution problems.

One of the very first applications developed was SECANT. From the start, it was designed to handle the practical nesting challenges faced by manufacturers, not idealised textbook scenarios. This early focus helped our software become one of the first cutting optimisation systems to deliver genuinely low-wastage cutting patterns for beam saw operations.

Furniture manufacturing, woodworking and metal stockholding businesses quickly adopted SECANT because it delivered measurable results. Less waste. Faster throughput. More predictable production.

Cut Planning Software That Adapts to You

What makes SECANT different is flexibility. Every operation has its own constraints: material sizes, cutting rules, machine limits, stock priorities and customer deadlines. Our optimiser is built to handle these variables without forcing businesses to change the way they work.

SECANT allows users to:

Optimise cutting patterns across multiple materials and sizes
Minimise waste while maintaining production speed
Apply to actual constraints that reflect shop floor conditions
Balance yield, throughput and operational priorities

The result is cut planning software that feels intuitive rather than restrictive. The results: better decisions and less waste.

Proven Across Industries and Continents

Over the years, feedback from customers has driven the ongoing development of SECANT. As manufacturers brought new challenges, the software evolved to meet them.

Today, SECANT is used by companies throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. Its optimisation algorithms are also embedded within ERP and MRP systems sold globally, forming the backbone of production planning for countless operations.

Whether used as a standalone optimiser or integrated into wider business systems, our software delivers consistent, reliable performance in demanding environments.

Saving Money, Materials and Manpower

At its core, SECANT is about efficiency that pays for itself. By reducing material wastage and increasing cutting accuracy, businesses see immediate cost savings. Improved cut planning also leads to better machine utilisation and reduced manual intervention.

That combination means:

Lower material costs
Higher throughput
Less rework and fewer errors
Better use of labour and machinery

These gains add up quickly, particularly in high-volume or high-value material operations.

A Long-Term Vision for Smarter Manufacturing

SECANT is now led by Matthew Foster, son of the original founder, who continues the company’s focus on practical innovation.

“As the MD, I’m driven by the idea of helping businesses save time, money, and resources with our cutting-edge optimisation software,” he says. “We’re committed to not just solving today’s challenges but also paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable future.”

That commitment shows in SECANT’s ongoing development and long-standing customer relationships.

Why Choose SECANT in 2026?

If you need cut planning software that saves you money, materials and manpower, SECANT promises to be an excellent investment for the year ahead. It increases profits by reducing waste, improving throughput and fitting seamlessly into real manufacturing environments.

SECANT does not just optimise cuts- it optimises the way you work.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.