Metal engineering and manufacturing refers to the process of manipulating a metal component’s structure or composition in order to use certain manufacturing processes on that metal, like molding it into complex geometries. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of metal products, from initial concept and design to final production and delivery. It’s important to streamline processes in metal engineering and manufacturing in order to enhance efficiency, manage resources, optimize production, and more effectively manage projects. There are several strategies that manufacturers use to accomplish this streamlining. One is the use of technologies and software. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used software and how these technologies help ensure a smooth production process.

An Overview of the Technologies Used in Metal Engineering and Manufacturing

It’s important to distinguish between the different metal engineering and manufacturing technologies, so let’s explore what each of them are and their applications.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

This technology is used to effectively run a metal engineering and manufacturing business and manage day-to-day internal operations, like purchasing inventory, project management, accounting, budgeting, and more. ERP platforms are crucial to not only a company’s success, but daily operation as well. Typically, ERP software allows formerly separate sections of a company to integrate and interact with one another (i.e. the production department is aware of the distribution department’s latest activity and vice versa). This improves productivity, collaboration and efficiency. ERP software also allows for more accurate data collection and reporting.

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Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Computer-aided design software is useful in metal engineering and manufacturing because it allows the user to create, modify, or optimize a design. You can generate 2D or 3D models of your design in order to perfect it before it moves onto the prototype or production stages. CAD is used to create more efficient designs, and it can lead to better documentation and collaboration between users.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Using this software allows computer-controlled machinery, such as a CNC machine, to automate certain processes in manufacturing. Software is paired with machinery that can transform material into a completed product. While CAD focuses on designing a product, CAM’s focus is in the actual creation of that product. CAM is particularly useful in metal engineering and manufacturing because it allows the automation of processes, which means more efficiency and speed in production.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

PLM technologies track a product’s development from initial stages to implementation and beyond. It not only records the product’s manufacturing, but also the marketing efforts involved once it’s ready to go to the customer. PLM is useful for decision-making when it comes time to balance budgets or cut costs because it allows you to see how a product has performed on the market. This is particularly useful for metal engineering and manufacturing companies, because it’s important to understand how a product is performing in order to continue with production.

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

MES software monitors, tracks, and documents every stage of the process as metal engineers and manufacturers transform raw material into a finished product. This enables companies to better plan and implement changes based on data. This software allows metal manufacturers to be more efficient  and timely with their products.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

SCM monitors the production and distribution of a product. The aim of SCM is optimizing the product’s journey into the customer’s hands in order to maximize value and minimize waste. SCM is particularly useful for metal engineers and manufacturers so they can gain a competitive advantage because it helps them to optimize their resources and deliver products more efficiently.

How Technology Streamlines Metal Engineering and Manufacturing

It’s important to leverage technology to better work for your metal engineering and manufacturing company. The proper software can allow for design optimization, which leads to more efficient production planning.  Technology like CAM can also lead to precision manufacturing, which eliminates costly errors that can lead to unnecessary delays. Utilizing SCM or MES programs can also help with quality control and assurance, as well as supply chain optimization. The right technology will ultimately help manufacturing companies continually improve their process and consequently, their bottom line.

Get Technology-Backed Metal Manufacturing Solutions from Advantage Metal Products

At Advantage Metal Products, we have extensive experience with cutting edge metal engineering and manufacturing technology. We provide custom metal engineering services, custom machining services, and much more. We aim to utilize technology to provide flexible and personalized solutions to enhance your business. Discover more information about the cutting edge ERP software we provide. To see how we can level up your next metal manufacturing product, contact our experienced team today.