Does your organization rely on creating and using CAM (Computer Aided Machining) programs? Do you have difficulty keeping track of all your CAM data? Do you struggle with quality issues in your machining operation? If the answer is yes, you could benefit from a Machining Benchmark.

The Machining Benchmark assessment captures the opinions of senior and knowledgeable personnel in your organization on the current state and future Machining requirements for your business. In addition, a priority for improvement and an assessment of current effectiveness is recorded. It centers on 17 key Machining “Pillars” ranging from PLM Training, through to Automation and Development. The pillars are listed below:

1. CAM Programming Capabilities
2. CAM Maturity
3. CAD/CAM/CNC/CMM Integration
4. Tooling and Fixture Design
5. CAM Best Practices
6. CAM Validation and Simulation
7. CAM Efficiency
8. Version and Revision control of CAM data
9. Supplier Collaboration
10. Shop floor Documentation
11. Model based Definition
12. Quality Management
13. Dimensional Control
14. CAM User Support
15. CAM Application Maintenance
16. On boarding for CAM systems
17. Ongoing training for CAM systems

After the 17 pillars have been covered, senior and knowledgeable personnel are also invited to “spend” an assumed benefit in value areas within your business. The areas identified are improving time to market, increasing the portfolio of the company and improving product quality.

Finally, the tool produces a comprehensive report showing the customer’s current state of maturity and a benchmark comparison with the industry.

Participants have found this process to be very useful as it allows them to prioritize their initiatives, gives a high-level view of their roadmap to success and provides them with industry benchmark information.