Automated Tool Management Programs

This white paper takes a close look at the process of manual tool management versus automated tool management. An in-depth examination of process improvement methodologies, a case study, and associated ROI calculations offer compelling evidence to justify an upgrade to automated identification systems. We'll examine ways to save money, improve productivity, increase tool life, reduce waste, and increase machine up-time through effective machine tool management. Competition is brutal in today's machine tool world. Profit margins are skinny, and there is a constant need to re-think and re-invent obsolete production processes. Time, cost, and productivity issues are always at the forefront. One area in the machine tool world where immediate and significant increases in productivity, tool life, and ROI can be achieved is the adoption of effective tool management systems both in the tool room and on the manufacturing floor. Outdated documentation methodology in the tool room, potential tool loading errors on the machine, and miscoded tools and potential errors in tool transport can contribute to a significant loss in productivity, down-time, tool damage, and unnecessary waste in machining operations.