Siemens today announced Meet at the Machine, a new initiative designed to bring together machine builders, software and automation technologies to accelerate innovation across the machine tool industry and help manufacturers achieve productivity faster.

Meet at the Machine provides a framework for Siemens and machine builders to jointly deliver integrated machining solutions that address real manufacturing challenges. The initiative is designed to make manufacturing customers more productive and enhance quality and performance. It brings engineering software, automation hardware and machine expertise together in one solution, helping machine builders deliver differentiated value.

Manufacturers today face increasing complexity, workforce shortages and growing pressure to become productive faster. While advances in software, automation and digitalization continue to create new opportunities, many manufacturers still face challenges connecting those technologies into efficient production workflows.

Siemens believes the next step in machining innovation is creating a continuous digital thread that connects engineering, programming, virtual validation and execution to deliver next-level productivity starting from the first machine power-on. By improving the flow of data across the part manufacturing lifecycle, organizations can reduce complexity, accelerate ramp-up and create a foundation for continuous improvement. 

“Manufacturing truth has always ultimately been at the machine,” said Mark Hindsbo, head of Operations Software at Siemens. “By bringing together engineering software, automation hardware and machine expertise, we enable our customers and users to be productive faster, accelerate return on investment and reduce ramp-up time by up to 50 percent.”

Built in collaboration with TRAK Machine Tools, the first phase of this initiative is focused on enabling part manufacturers to be productive from day one. It addresses one of the most common challenges manufacturers face when purchasing a new machine: the time required to move from machine delivery to productive machining. The solution combines software, automation and machine expertise into a connected workflow that allows manufacturers to program, simulate and validate production while a machine is still being built.

“When our customers invest in a new machine, their goal is to achieve productivity and business results as quickly as possible,” said Steve Pinto, president, TRAK Machine Tools. “Meet at the Machine creates a new model for collaboration focused on customer outcomes, and we are proud to be the first partner helping bring this vision to life.”

Traditionally, many programming, validation and training activities begin only after a machine is installed. The new initiative shifts these activities earlier in the process, allowing manufacturers to prepare for production before physical machine delivery and helping reduce ramp-up time.

Through the initiative, Siemens plans to work with machine builders to develop future solutions that address key manufacturing challenges through collaborative innovation.