If you own fiber laser cutting machines, then you realize that fiber technology has become a real game-changer.įeed rates are up to 400 percent faster and operating costs have been reduced by more than 50 percent compared to traditional CO2 laser cutting machines. In the last five years, the adaptation of fiber laser cutting technology has significantly changed the competitive environment in fabrication. Continually evaluating this process can be a daunting task, but it is, nevertheless, an essential aspect of remaining viable and competitive in sheet metal fabricating.Ĭluster technology top, conventional plan bottom.
At this point, however, the question becomes: What are the shortcomings of the current methodology and how can it be improved?Īs business owners address that question, perhaps they will find that the new technology enhances their current process perfectly, or perhaps the technology is so radically advanced that they find it necessary to re-work the entire workflow process.įor example, a business owner could discover after adding one piece of new technology that the pull-demand of that technology now requires that all other supporting technologies, such as software and automation systems, must also be improved to keep up with the workflow demand. Once the process is at its highest efficiency, given the current company infrastructure, then and only then should new technology come into play. Streamlining internal processes is always a good first start before considering new technology investments because it ensures that the process flow itself is as efficient as possible.
The challenge to maintain that competitive position can be met in a few ways: streamlining internal processes, investing in new equipment, investing in new software as well as finding less expensive material resources. For sheet metal fabricating businesses, more specifically job shops and OEM fabricators, there exists the constant challenge to reduce the cost per manufactured part in order to maintain profit margins and be competitive.