As an owner, CAM/CNC programmer or production manager of a machine shop, why should you care about tool data management software? Well in summary, it can improve machine shop efficiency, better connect an organization’s workflow and enable CNC machine shops to implement tool data management best practice.
How tool data management software improves machine shop efficiency
Tool data management software can significantly improve your machine shop efficiency in a number of ways, including:
The saving of time - By storing all your tool specifications, geometries, cutting parameters and usage history in a tool data management software system, the time spent searching for tooling information for CAM and CNC programmers, machinists and operators is reduced.
The optimization of tool selection and planning – With access to pre-validated cutting parameters, up-to-date tool libraries and quick and easy matches to the best tools, programmers can create even the most complex tool assemblies more quickly and reliably.
The introduction of repeatability – Proven tool assemblies and cutting parameters are stored and easily accessible in tool data management software systems. This improves process consistency and repeatability, compared to manual tool management solutions that use more traditional excel spreadsheets.
Connected workflow with tool data management software
Tool data management software offers small and mid-sized machine shops, metal shops and other manufacturers a wide range of benefits when it comes to creating tool assemblies. Cloud-based tool data management takes tool data organization for new and updated tool creation to the next level.
The sharing of real-time data allows for real-time collaboration – Tool data management software provides users with a unified data ecosystem that is available in real-time. This means that wherever needed the same tool assemblies, cutting data and parameters can be accessed across machining teams, CNC and CAM programmers and other people in the organization. This ensures smoother communication, quicker decision making and simplified planning.
Consistency from planning to production – Thanks to tool data management software, tool data flows seamlessly from CAM to the machine set up, and programmers can see what tools are in stock before creating toolpaths, reducing delays to the machine shop. Also, mistakes in tool selection and set up are reduced, as manual data entry is eliminated. Workflow is improved by integrating the software with ERP and CAM systems, enabling automatic toolpath generation, improved purchasing of key components and tool creation scheduling.
Cloud-based data management software improves traceability and quality control – Thanks to the tracking functionality of the software, every step of the tool assembly process - from programming to production - is documented. Whether the data is needed to prove compliance for ISO, medical or aerospace tool creation for example, documentary proof is only a click away.
Cloud-based tool data management software also overcomes many common barriers to entry for small and medium sized businesses:
- No big investment or up-front costs are required
- The subscription-based model means it is an Opex not Capex
- No IT hardware, installation or maintenance team involvement is needed
- Automatic updates and data-back up means no IT expertise is required
- Professional IT-security always ensures up-to-date protection
Best practice tool data management software for CNC machine shops
There are a range of tool data management software solutions on the market, but the one to choose should deliver best-practice features. These include an easy-to-use user interface, centralized tool data, reduced set up times and tool lifecycle management support.
The key features to look for in a best practice tool data management software solution are summarized in Toolhive’s cloud-based system:
- An easy-to-use, intuitive user interface.
- Centralized data management through consolidated tool libraries, tool assemblies and CAM plug-ins into a single platform.
- Seamless data onboarding of tool data and scalable data matching capabilities.
- Up-to-date, accurate tool data in real-time.
- Cloud-based accessibility and compatibility with phones, laptops, desktops and tablets as needed.
- 3D digital representations of tool assemblies - that are customizable - for use within CAM software.
- Reporting and legal compliance for generating reports and managing data.
- Project management integration to allow users to manage tasks, deadlines and workflows, as well as automated task functionality to enable users to set this feature up as needed.
- 30-day no obligation free trial to ensure the software suits your needs before purchase.
- The subscription (SaaS) can be cancelled each year or adjusted to suit your immediate needs.
Good CNC tool data management will ensure more structure, traceability and integration throughout an organization’s entire manufacturing process. However, to achieve this, the right tool data management software is needed.
Are you a small or medium-sized organization wanting to improve your tool data management?
Why not click HERE, to find out how to get insights into tool availability, without big investment or spending money up front or begin your free trial with Toolhive’s cloud-based data management software tool?