Pack Your Lunch With Productivity

Whether you are a small CNC machining job shop or part of a Fortune 500 Company, manufacturers continue to be challenged by global competition and the need to do more with less—less money, fewer resources and less time. If you continue with the status quo, you may not be able to compete, but how do you gather information about new CNC machining technology? How can you make time to learn about new best practices? The answers to these questions may be right in your own back yard.

Bigger is Not Always Better

Most of us are aware of comprehensive training programs such as online learning courses, OEM training programs and even degree programs from technical colleges. Not only do these methods require a large commitment of both time and money, but they are also extremely broad in scope. What if you’re just looking for that one simple idea that can take your CNC machining process to the next level? Fortunately, there are other learning opportunities available.

When you hear the words “trade show,” do you automatically think of IMTS? While IMTS is our industry’s largest and most attended show, it may not be the most effective venue for learning something new. Local trade shows, such as Houstex, Eastec, Westec and CMTS, offer a more region-specific focus in both the CNC machining technology shown and seminar topics. Or, if you are looking for an industry-focused event, why not visit AeroDef Manufacturing, FabTech, MD&M or Gear Expo?

Going Local Makes it Personal

If just thinking about attending a trade show makes your feet hurt, maybe a local event, such as an open house or a Lunch and Learn event would be a better fit. Many CNC machine tool manufacturers and their distributors offer smaller, local events—typically at no charge. Okuma and Partners in THINC offer monthly Lunch and Learn events at their tech centers located in Charlotte, Chicago and Houston. These educational seminars showcase the latest CNC machining technology and how it can help increase overall productivity. A short classroom presentation, hands-on CNC machine demonstration, and plenty of time for Q&A mean that you not only learn about new technology, but also understand how it can help you meet YOUR manufacturing challenges. With lunch and time for some networking, these free events are a great way to pack some productivity into your lunch break.

You’re Invited: 2013 Lunch and Learn Events

Our first events for 2013 will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Charlotte will be holding an AMPS and Automation event featuring Kuka Robotics; Houston will be holding an Iscar metalworking tools event; and Chicago will be holding an Esprit CAM software event. For more information and to register for Partners in THINC events, please visit www.okuma.com/events.

What topics would you like to see covered in future Lunch and Learn events? Comment below, or contact us, and let’s learn together.

Julie Murphy is Marketing Manager, Okuma America Corporation.