34 MMS December 2017 mmsonline.com
DECIDING FACTORS A Focus on Data-Driven Manufacturing
simply by understanding machine utilization.
• The investment is reasonable. Most shops
will find that the cost is not prohibitive. Shops
should think big, start small and expand rapidly.
3 . S t a r t i n g o n t h e d i g i t a l j o u r n e y i s
manageable. The journey is transformative rather
than disruptive. Some solutions are turnkey, and
can be implemented today and leveraged as
technology evolves. These steps were recom-
mended for entry:
• Connect and capture data from disparate
devices such as CNC equipment, manual machines
and additive manufacturing systems.
• Start with three data elements and pursue
improved operational per formance. The three
recommended data points are execution status
(running or not running), operational mode (auto-
matic or manual) and fault status (errors or alarms
that were triggered).
• Analyze and visualize the data for insight.
• Have exper ts help interpret the data and
guide improvement actions.
The panel's overarching message to machine
shops was to start now and avoid being left behind.
In addition, the panelists discussed a number
of issues that shops are likely to encounter as
they move toward digitalization. For example,
network security has to be addressed from the
star t, but the consensus is that safeguarding
networked machines is manageable. Likewise,
managers must recognize that a shop's culture
must evolve so that digitalization is accepted in
a positive way to enhance teamwork.
The panel also noted that on-going develop-
ments in standardization will make digitalization
more intuitive, thus facilitating the transformation.
Also, shops soon will be able to implement digi-
talization by acquiring well-packaged products,
rather than by taking a piece-meal approach.
Video replays of the event are available on
Sandvik Coromant's Facebook page ( facebook.
com/sandvikcoromantus ).