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We have reflected on taking full advantage of the equipment you have in your machine shop now in a previous blog. And still concur it is a wise decision to review your assets before moving forward with any changes in your machine shop. The advantages of early adoption of new technologies and equipment, however, can be vast. It is clear the investment in CNC machines has allowed machine shops to eliminate human error and inconsistencies, run at faster speeds, use fewer resources, reduce manufacturing costs, and scale-up production.
The next step to benefit from the potential that exists with smart machines and IIoT may be to think outside the box and migrate early into a shop infrastructure that exploits these new capabilities. The next generation of manufacturing is here now.
Vision
Start with visioning where your manufacturing facility could go. Talk to vendors and see what they are working on. Focus on things like flexibility, increased automation, and digitization to move your facility forward. Flexibility should include modularity, where software and hardware may be reused in different contexts.
Pay attention to changes in the marketplace, like 2019 showing the first time Fieldbus installations were overshadowed by ethernet. There is needed vision beyond computers talking to machines. Think of how data can be shared and utilized throughout your facility.
Even think of the size of your next machine. The footprint for a gantry table, for example, takes up considerable floor space but could mean larger components could be tooled in one piece, rather than multiple operations of smaller components, or new business acquired.
Those in the machine shop will be concerned with safety, security, and efficiency gains, but look wider at supply chain management, sales and estimating, client interaction is design and processing, and personnel management that could all positively affect your market position by stepping into something new.
Client Involvement
Your input can help guide the finished product. The manufacturer will benefit from your practical experience (this is a great application for sharing metrology and other data) to aid them in designing superior products.
You will also benefit by directing the machine to suit your needs. Perhaps you need greater load capacity or a smaller footprint. There may be tool access or robotics that need to be considered for flexibility. End users are looking for plug-and-play options to connect software, equipment, and overall business infrastructure. This can also mean working easily into existing installations or machinery. Using different vendors requires much more communication for this ease of installation to be possible.
When adding data recording and storage, security is also a big concern. Security vulnerabilities can be addressed by both automation component vendors and machine builders. New concepts are making use of mobile devices, for example. Operators can monitor production from a distance, or machine engineers can offer remote guidance for diagnostics and repair. This reduces downtime but does raise security issues. Working with the vendor can be sure their digital footprint works with your overall storage and security.
Anticipation
Just as you may benefit from the early adoption of new technology and equipment, your clients can benefit, too. Be sure to let clients know where you are headed with your manufacturing. Commitments for orders may be just what you need to leverage cash for that purchase.
Work with your clients, just as you work with the machine or software vendor for your purchase, to be sure you are catering to needs they have in terms of quality, speed, and flexibility in workflow. Customer service is the mainstay of any quality business.
Make known your plans to train new apprentices or hire new engineers to keep clients informed of your level of service and commitment to serve them. Lower costs of equipment are making new generations of equipment available that can change your market position.
Next Steps
Be sure to perform an in-depth analysis of the equipment you have on hand. There is great value in maximizing current processes before adding new equipment. But just like we could never imagine the value of Amazon as an online book store, the advantages of early adoption of new technologies can position your business at the forefront as a quality machine shop in the evolution of manufacturing.