Machine Tool Apps: The Next Great Frontier

In July 2014, Nielsen released a report documenting the proliferation of app usage amongst Android and iPhone users in the U.S. In Q4 2013, they spent 30 hours, 15 minutes using apps, a 31% increase in time over the previous year. And even those aged 55+ spend more than 21 hours, across an average of 22 different apps, per month. Clearly we’ve become comfortable using apps in our daily lives, and our usage is increasing. Today there are apps for machine tools too, and usage here is also increasing. Because of their ease-of-use and ability to deliver quick productivity gains, machine tool apps are the next great frontier for our industry, and they will become as pervasive in shops as they are in our personal lives.

Machine Tool Apps: Not “New”

You may be surprised to learn that machine tool apps are not a “new” technology. They’ve actually been in use for many years. Okuma laid the foundation for machine tool apps in 2004 with the release of the OSP-P control, the industry’s first open architecture control. This openness was (and still is) revolutionary. Enabled by this open control platform, Okuma has, since 2004, implemented numerous apps that customize our CNC machines to solve a customer’s problem. What IS new, however, is the openness of shop owners and operators to using apps on their machine tools. Because we’ve become comfortable with using apps in our everyday lives, we now “get it” and can imagine using apps on a controller.

Moser Engineering, Transformed by Apps

Today many shops are doing much more than just imagining using machine tool apps – they’re already enjoying the benefits of them. Recently we visited Moser Engineering, a manufacturer of aftermarket performance rear end components for various racing applications. Moser lives by their promise to supply high quality American-made products, at an affordable price, within an industry leading two-day turnaround time. As their shop grew busier, it became clear they needed to upgrade their equipment so they could maintain their fast production times.

Previously an all-manual machine shop, they made the leap into CNC machining. They brought an Okuma GENOS L300E-M into their shop, but then were faced with a dilemma: how to train their non-CNC workforce, quickly? Their Okuma distributor, Gosiger, came up with a cutting-edge solution – installing an app for their machine tool that made it easy to operate, and the employees ramped up immediately. Moser has gone from traditional manual processes to the very latest in CNC machining very quickly. This is one case (of many) were Okuma customers are benefiting from our truly open architecture control that allows the user to write apps that make the machine tool easier to operate.

Apps Help Solve Workforce Challenges

Every shop struggles with hiring skilled labor to run CNC machine tools. Countless times I’ve heard shop owners say “if you send me an operator with that machine, I’ll buy it today.” In an age of growing demand for manufacturing capability and a scarcity of skilled workers, we need to become very creative. Apps provide endless opportunities to specifically solve your workforce challenges because they can be customized for your needs.

Machine Tool Apps: How to Get Started

Many people wonder how to get started with machine tool apps. The easiest way is to download existing apps from the Okuma App Store (www.myokuma.com) and experience the results. But the real advantage comes when you customize an app that no one else has, for your own unique requirements. You gain an immediate productivity advantage while raising the bar beyond your competitors’ reach. The best starting point is your unique idea about what you need to improve in your machine shop. With Okuma’s open architecture OSP control, you can create apps that enhance productivity while simplifying your life.

Jim King is President & COO, Okuma America Corporation.

Learn More: Read the white paper Machine Tool Apps: A Manufacturing Definition to learn more about the benefits and uses of apps in our industry.