Requirements checklist
What to ask for when choosing software for jig and fixture makers.
A checklist built from how jig and fixture makers 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.
- Fixture projects tied to part revisions
- Design drawings and parts list
- Build stages and hours
- Validation and gauge records
- Modification requests
- Standard parts stock
- Delivery packs and invoices
Roles that need their own access
Who logs in, and what each person may see or change.
- For fixture designers
- For fitters and machinists
- For quality staff
- For the office
- For owners
Reports to ask for
Ask to see each one with your own sample data.
- Fixtures by part revision, with those needing review
- Build hours against the quote, by stage
- Buyer sign-offs pending and refused
- Modification requests open, by customer
- Pins, bushes and clamps used per fixture
- Gauge calibration due dates by customer
- Stage invoices raised and received
Systems it may need to connect to
Note which ones you already run.
- WhatsApp or other messaging
- Accounting export
- File server links
- Barcode labels
Questions for any vendor
Put these to every supplier you are comparing.
- What happens when a customer changes the part?
- Does it keep CAD files?
- How are validation readings stored?
- Can we manage inspection gauges?
- Can a modification be priced separately?
- Can a design be reused for a sister part?
- How is stock of pins and bushes handled?
- How do we begin?
Where the work usually breaks today
Circle the ones you recognise. They set the order of the project.
- Fixtures outlive the part revision
- Design changes pile up in the workshop
- Validation has no record
- Quotes miss the hours in fitting
- Repeat fixtures are redesigned
Prefer to talk it through? See the jig and fixture makers page.