Automation Cuts Downtime

"If I have programming, I can put somebody who doesn't ordinarily work the cutter on the cutter because it's just button pushing," says Standard's Hunt. "That gives me more flexibility as a manager."

Automation Assets

While software-based automation has been a boon to productivity in the shop, automation around the cutter can be equally helpful. Though much of this automation has traditionally been found on more high-volume cutters, some dealers say that is changing.