Communication

Modern Machine Shop, Feb, 2003 by Katherine A. Kelley

It is so much easier to have a conversation when both people speak the same language. If one person speaks only English, and the other speaks only Spanish, they would have a hard time communicating. Of course, they could get a translator, but there is still bound to be miscommunication. Software can be the same way.

It is much easier for companies to deal with files if their suppliers or customers use the same type of software. SolidWorks Corporation (Concord, Massachusetts) took that idea and ran with it. The company recently launched an Internet directory that helps companies shorten their product time-to-market by finding fellow SolidWorks software users who provide contract design and manufacturing services. This network eliminates the process of converting or recreating design files by giving manufacturers a list ofthose who can accept the SolidWorks files directly. Visit the network at www.solidwarks.com/swmn/.