Requirements checklist
What to ask for when choosing software for cNC milling shops.
A checklist built from how cNC milling shops work, to print or save as a PDF and bring to any supplier meeting.
What the software should cover
Tick each one that matters to your business.
- Part and operation masters
- Programme library with revisions
- Fixture and soft-jaw register
- Plate and block stock
- Inspection plans and reports
- Outside finishing
- Quotes with programming time
Roles that need their own access
Who logs in, and what each person may see or change.
- For the programming desk
- For setters and machine operators
- For inspectors
- For estimators and the front office
- For owners
Reports to ask for
Ask to see each one with your own sample data.
- Operations by machine, with pieces made and balance
- Programming hours and setup count against the quote
- Programme revisions in use, by part
- Fixtures by part and shelf location
- Plate and block stock by grade, with certificate status
- Inspection results by lot and dimension
- Parts out for anodising or heat treatment, by vendor
Systems it may need to connect to
Note which ones you already run.
- WhatsApp or other messaging
- Accounting export
- Barcode labels
- File server links
Questions for any vendor
Put these to every supplier you are comparing.
- Does the system generate toolpaths?
- Can a part be tracked across several operations?
- How are fixtures tied to parts?
- Can quotes include programming hours?
- Is material traceable by plate?
- Can we print inspection reports for buyers?
- What data do we need to start?
- How is the proposal priced?
Where the work usually breaks today
Circle the ones you recognise. They set the order of the project.
- The right programme is hard to find
- Operations get skipped or repeated
- Fixtures and vises are not tied to parts
- Programming hours are never costed
- Aluminium plate is cut without a trail
Prefer to talk it through? See the cNC milling shops page.