Let’s Talk: Smart manufacturing
component specification, but also the process and environmental parameters present at time of manufacture and inspection.” Single-source solution Machine shops conventionally implement a new manufacturing technology to solve a specific issue, with many typically lacking the budget, confidence or internal expertise to implement a larger, company-wide transformation strategy. This issue indicates a clear need for a one-stop- shop resource that can provide help across a machine shop’s entire manufacturing workflow. Hexagon has a new concept that centres on seeking value in the seams between seven key workflow functions: quoting and planning; designs and reviews; manufacturing preparation; manufacturing; shop-floor measurement; quality inspection; and reporting and analytics. “At present, machine shops will quote for a job only to find [when they win the order] it’s a little more complex and costly than initially thought, squeezing the margin,” explains Jason Walker. “In addition, there’s often a disconnect with subsequent operations such as metrology,
with little if any feedback. That’s why we need a digital thread. Linking data flows across business functions provides more visibility and insight into what’s working well - and not so well - from an end-to-end process perspective.” Seven-step process Hexagon’s machine shop campaign looks intently at optimising each of the aforementioned seven steps, connecting individual point solutions/ technologies, systems of record and specific processes to Hexagon’s new Nexus digital reality platform for manufacturers. Nexus acts as a system of engagement to share data along the entire workflow and drive more business excellence. The concept allows machine shops to start with low-hanging fruit and progress as resources and budgets allow, perhaps reinvesting any savings to help start subsequent optimisation projects. The focus is on enabling more collaboration, sharing data internally across various departments and externally with suppliers and customers, in real time. Some think of Hexagon as a specialist in metrology or CADCAM software, but over the
15 Machinery & Manufacturing
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