At Coastal Machine & Supply, precision and efficiency are top priorities. But until recently, we could only make assumptions about our uptime and machine utilization. However, that changed since we integrated Datanomix production monitoring software into our operations.
With Datanomix, we’re able to derive clear, actionable insights into how our machines are performing and leverage real-time data to drive efficiency. From enabling better prediction of cycle times to maximizing spindle utilization, Datanomix has helped us to take our precision machining performance to the next level—and we’re just getting started.
Leveraging Datanomix to Drive Manufacturing Efficiency
Before bringing Datanomix into the shop, we relied heavily on shop employees to log their machining times and provide updates on the progress of each project. However, this manual approach was imprecise and inefficient, as it was difficult to get a full picture of cycle times and spindle utilization. While we thought we were operating efficiently, we didn’t have any data to back up our assumptions.
That needed to change.
Why We Chose Datanomix: Seamless Integration and Powerful Insights
After evaluating production monitoring software for over a year, we determined that Datanomix offered the right features for our needs and provided the best way to get a full picture of how our machines run. Their system connects directly to our machines through a networked EDGE device and automatically collects data without requiring any operator input—a huge advantage that lets our machinists stay focused on machining rather than logging production data for each project.
But beyond the ease of integration, the amount of information that Datanomix provides is truly astounding. With Datanomix, we can drill down into specific categories of downtime to better understand why a machine isn’t running and take steps to improve efficiency.
Real-Time Alerts to Keep Us In The Loop
Another significant advantage of Datanomix is the mobile app, which keeps us connected to the shop floor no matter where we are. If an issue occurs in the shop—a power outage or surge that requires a machine to be reset—the mobile app sends us a push notification so we can address the situation immediately. This is critical to keeping our lights-out manufacturing operations running smoothly and has enabled us to expand our capabilities to include lights-out multi-axis machining.
The Impact of Datanomix at Coastal Machine & Supply
Within just a few weeks of using Datanomix, it became clear that our machine utilization was lower than expected. The data revealed just how much time machines spent idle, and it was far more than we thought. Seeing that data was a wake-up call that immediately pushed us to think differently about how we manage every aspect of our manufacturing operations.
Reduced Changeover Times for Increased Spindle Utilization
With the insights from Datanomix, we quickly identified that reducing changeover times would have the biggest impact on spindle utilization. To streamline our changeover process, we began by organizing our tooling, creating detailed setup sheets, and improving the communication between day and night shifts. This has helped ensure that our machinists—regardless of shift—know exactly what’s required for each job and where everything is located, resulting in significantly lower idle times between part runs.
We’ve also been able to identify which parts take longer to set up and use this data to inform discussions with our machinists. Through these discussions, we’ve been able to address specific challenges with setting up complex parts and, in many cases, adjust our approach to improve efficiency.
Improved Production Planning with Real-Time Progress Monitoring
Another aspect of Datanomix production monitoring software that’s quickly become critical within our manufacturing operations is real-time job progress tracking. This provides a clear and accurate representation of cycle time based on the history of how a particular part has been running.
This data gives us a better idea of when a job will finish and come off the machine, allowing us to improve our production planning and prioritization. Additionally, by combining this data with insights into our spindle utilization, we can determine precisely how far out our production capacity is booked and provide more accurate lead times on every order.
Increased Quoting Accuracy: Comparing Estimated vs. Actual Machine Time
Some of the most valuable data that Datanomix has been able to provide pertains to machine time—specifically, part-level times. By analyzing the data and comparing it to our estimates, we’re able to determine how accurately we’re quoting parts. That way, we can ensure there are no surprises on future orders and provide more accurate quotes from the start.
Beyond driving improved accuracy, by leveraging insights into how jobs are actually running compared to our estimates, we can often determine how to run parts more efficiently. This enables us to reduce production costs and lead times, and provide more efficient and cost-effective custom machining services.
Data-Driven CNC Machining Solutions for Cost-Effective Precision Parts
At Coastal Machine & Supply, investing in production monitoring software like Datanomix isn’t just about staying up to date with the latest advancements in manufacturing technology—it’s about delivering real results for our customers. Though we’re just a few months into our journey with Datanomix, the data and insights have already revealed several opportunities for improvement. And as an ITAR-registered manufacturer and AS9100-certified machine shop, being at the top of our game and at the forefront of precision machining is crucial.
If you’re looking for a precision machining partner that combines cutting-edge technology with deep manufacturing expertise, we’re ready to help. Request a quote today and discover how our expertise and data-driven processes can drive success in your next project.
