Investing in Customer Relationships
04.16.2018
As technology advances, so do Okuma machine tools. Simple 2-axis turning has evolved into multi-function lathes. 3-axis vertical mills have grown into complex 5-axis machines. Along with advances in machine technology, Okuma continues to evolve our control and software algorithms so our customers can get the best performance out of our machines.
Investing in Customer Relationships
But what about that old Okuma 2-axis lathe you’ve been cycle starting every day for 25 years? If you’ve invested in the proper maintenance, then it’s most likely producing good parts. As time goes by, perhaps the bubble or CMOS memory may fail, which means you’ll need to install the original NC software again. How can Okuma possibly help you with this?
Easy! Our Software Production department in Charlotte, NC has the equipment to produce and validate your original NC software on legacy Okuma controls. We continue to maintain these systems in proper working order for one reason: to keep our customers happy. Let’s face it. It takes time, money, space and commitment to maintain old equipment and production processes for the handful of software production orders we receive annually for old Okuma machines. But that’s an investment in customer relationships we’re glad to make.
Paying It Forward
Recently, a dedicated Okuma customer called me unexpectedly to ask if Okuma would have any need for an old OSP5000G TM-APT-G unit. This unit was originally sold in the 1980s as an offline program editor. It allowed our customers to post G-code programs specifically for Okuma machines using the same IGF functionality previously only available on the machine. With slight modifications, Okuma can repurpose this once state-of-the-art TM-APT unit into a CAMPUS unit used to produce NC Software for OSP5000/5020-control Okuma machines.
Our good customer doing some necessary clean-up in Michigan thought about Okuma before throwing this unit in the dumpster. That made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I happily accepted and received the unit within a few days. It arrived meticulously packaged along with cables, 8” floppy disks, and even a tape puncher as an added bonus. It now resides in our Software Production department as a back-up unit ready to support our customers. Now that’s paying it forward! It makes me proud to be part of an Okuma team built on strong relationships with our customers.
Mike Breitkreutz is Senior Manager of Service and Software, Okuma America Corporation.
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