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:: Specific tools such as simulation, tool libraries, operations managers, setup sheets, and so on, should be evaluated to determine their potential to broaden the shop's capabilities while reducing lead times and costs. e CAM supplier works similarly with other types of suppliers as well. CNC manufacturing technology is growing on many fronts simultaneously. Like the machine tool builders, cutting tool and ancillary equipment vendors, as well as other software suppliers, are all working hard to improve their competitive position by developing exciting new products and technologies. A good CAM software package must interact with all of them. CAM suppliers should collaborate with cutting tool vendors to take advan- tage of the latest cutting tool designs and partner with vendors of other equipment, such as robotics and tool dispensers, to interface with their products. ey should work with suppliers of other software, such as shop manage- ment and in-process gaging, to ensure the transparency of data needed for the successful application of all their technologies. Responsible CAD/CAM companies are looking out as much as five years to plan for and implement emerging manufacturing technologies as soon as they are commercially feasible. Workforce Development It is common knowledge that there is a nationwide shortage of programmers and machinists. A capable CAM system will ameliorate some of this problem by allowing qualified programmers already on staff to program more efficiently. With good software, many shops have been able to experi- ence 20-percent growth for several years without having to add more programmers. It helps to consider the local labor force and determine which CAM software products are most commonly used in the area. By matching the CAM software products used in the manufacturing areas of local community and technical schools, a shop can lay the groundwork for a more effective transition for entry-level employment candidates. Many shops are developing in-house mentoring programs to accelerate their employee development. Training offered by software dealers can help get new users up to speed as well as help experienced users take advantage of advanced CAM capabilities. Online resources offered by the vendor are another great resource to help programmers improve skills at their own pace. Manufacturing is a team sport. erefore, it is important to evaluate a CAM software's ability to collect and share proprietary knowledge about preferred manufacturing and programing strategies and practices. e software may allow the saving of sets of operations and toolpaths into a library so they can be readily applied to other similar parts. Perhaps it has utilities for creating setup sheets that convey a clear understanding of how the part should be set up for safe, efficient manufacturing. Tools may be available in the software that allow the machinist to provide feedback to the programmer to eliminate difficulties encountered during the machining process. ese are the types of features that can simplify the programming and production processes dramati- cally, easily justifying any added expense on the front end. Cost Cost is always a consideration, but certain strategies can be considered to mitigate these concerns. One common option is for a shop to invest in a CAD/CAM system that allows it to pay only for the level of capabilities currently needed with the ability to upgrade later. Another possibility is to imple- ment a network license that allows many users to log into the software, but one at a time. A maintenance license may also be available that is packaged with unlimited technical support, including free upgrades to the latest versions of the software. A carefully thought out CAD/CAM implementa- tion should deliver significant paybacks almost as soon as it is installed. When a shop purchases what it needs, the cost should take care of itself. Support Support is crucial with CAM. Most packages will provide what they call "local support," but even that will vary in response time and effectiveness. e more effective and experienced support networks know their customers and the entire local market well. rough visits to the shop, they get to know the types of parts it runs and the typical issues it faces. A typical visit may involve simply helping an operator who is unfamiliar with the software or it may be to provide CAD/CAM SOFTWARE 34 PRODUCTION MACHINING :: JUNE 2017