The winner(s) of our poll today won't win accolades or prizes, but with this whole selection process heating up for Tesla, one really has to wonder where it will end up. Tesla bringing large scale battery manufacturing to one lucky south/west US state has big implications. The states said to be in the running are Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. If you follow the news … [Read more...]
Two for Friday First Edition – Industry and Talent Update
As advocates of the manufacturing industry we love to serve, we're always plugged in to see what the news and trends are. So in this new feature every Friday we'll bring up two topics to discuss with you. There are a number of critical topics this week but two really stood out: Will 2014 be a good year for US Manufacturers? Acquiring Skilled Talent Will 2014 be a good … [Read more...]
How to Isolate your CNC Network by Dual Homing DNC Max
Often with CNC communication products including CIMCO DNC-Max server, the server hosting the software resides on a single network. Some companies and government agencies have requirements that don't allow their CNC Controls to be accessible on their main networks. This is actually a smart policy and you might have read about the SIEMENS vulnerability or other high profile hacks … [Read more...]
Vulnerability in SIEMENS Simatic S7-1200
It is certainly not typical for CNC Controls or Industrial Automation Systems to be accessible to exploit without a network first being compromised, but the ramifications can be very significant. For that reason we keep an eye on the security updates related to Industrial Automation Systems. If you do not have any of these systems in your facility this can still serve as a … [Read more...]
CIMCO Software Training at NASA AMES
Every once in a while you find yourself in an incredible place with incredible people doing incredible things. Last week that happened. Monday morning we were getting our guest badges and introducing a group that entered as individuals and departed as a team from NASA AMES in Mountain View California. We were hosted by NASA for CIMCO software training for a few of our … [Read more...]
Customer Testimonial CIMCO Edit Professional
There are few things in the world of business more valuable than feedback from a customer. Whether it is good or bad, customer feedback tells you what you're doing right, what you're doing wrong and what you can ultimately do to improve. Good or bad, they represent opportunity and act as strong motivators to run a quality business that cares what its customers need. What we all … [Read more...]
Why US Manufacturing Advocacy Matters
If you or someone you care about works in the US Manufacturing industry, chances are you have a strong opinion about the importance of keeping the Manufacturing sector strong. Job growth rebounding from one of the worst recessions most of us have (and hopefully will) experience in our lifetimes is good for all. So on the level of jobs alone, it is a worth-while endeavor. When … [Read more...]
Creating a CIMCO MDM (PDM) Backup
If you're running CIMCO MDM (formerly PDM) and want an easy way to make a one-time backup, say before an upgrade or migration to another server then this is for you. CIMCO MDM (Version 7, March 2014 and on) now has the ability to backup and restore the database and create a CIMCO MDM Backup from within the program interface following these steps: To create a CIMCO MDM … [Read more...]
Introducing CIMCO CNC Handbook
One of the most exciting developments in the CIMCO side of things has been the development of their training and educational program. Consider this a bit of a sneak peak of some upcoming content on this subject, for now we're introducing you to the CNC Handbook. The main areas the handbook covers are: Introduction & CNC Process Overview Shop Safety CNC … [Read more...]
The Real Problem with the Investing in American Jobs Walmart Commercial
You may have heard that there is a controversy brewing over one of Walmart's recent commercials advocating on-shoring of jobs and manufacturing. Overall the idea that they are investing $250 billion in American Manufacturing over the next 10 years is a good thing. However there is a problem with the commercial, but it’s not what you might think. It has nothing to do with … [Read more...]