Case Study: What Is the Cost of Lost Information?
Making sure all employees are using up-to-date information that is communicated effectively between departments helps save companies both time and money.
The problem with “lost” information is that it often isn’t truly lost. Much the opposite, bits and pieces of information are commonly found everywhere in the shop—you just have to know who to ask and where to look for it. This tribal knowledge can be frustrating for newcomers or someone seeking to gather complete, up-to-date information about a particular product line. Moreover, these information silos are often overlooked and not addressed by companies, especially when they aren’t causing a backlog.
In 2004, Wagstaff Inc. took a hard look at the time and money it spent tracking product line information around its Spokane, Washington facility. Product line information was stored in process documents, the CAM system and Excel spreadsheets. Not only that, but tracking and leveraging the information on new jobs was difficult because information wasn’t necessarily being shared amongst different users. After integrating the Tool Lifecycle Management system from TDM Systems, the company was able to integrate data and knowledge from various sources into a centralized database. Read the full story here.
Related Content
-
Can ChatGPT Create Usable G-Code Programs?
Since its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has been used in many situations, from writing stories to writing code, including G-code. But is it useful to shops? We asked a CAM expert for his thoughts.
-
Tips for Designing CNC Programs That Help Operators
The way a G-code program is formatted directly affects the productivity of the CNC people who use them. Design CNC programs that make CNC setup people and operators’ jobs easier.
-
Continuous Improvement and New Functionality Are the Name of the Game
Mastercam 2025 incorporates big advancements and small — all based on customer feedback and the company’s commitment to keeping its signature product best in class.
