Everyone in the manufacturing industry is talking about Industry 4.0 and smart factories. But the reality is often different: While production lines are ultra-modern, one crucial area lags behind - tool testing.
Many companies are stuck in a strange limbo here. On the one hand, inspection results are recorded in Excel spreadsheets or PowerPoint presentations. On the other hand, handwritten notes and printed reports end up in folders. There is no trace of consistent digitization.
Why is this the case? The reasons are varied and often banal: Habit, lack of time or simply a fear of change. Some people argue that the previous system still works. But at what cost?
This approach not only costs valuable time, but also harbors considerable risks. Data is lost, is difficult to understand or is misinterpreted. In the worst case, this can lead to quality problems or production downtime.
The solution is obvious: end-to-end digitalization of tool inspection. But the path to this is often rocky. It is not enough to simply introduce new software. Instead, processes need to be scrutinized, employees trained and old habits overcome.
Companies that take this step benefit enormously: inspection processes become more efficient, data is available and can be analyzed at any time. Errors are detected earlier and quality increases. Last but not least, this creates the basis for further digitalization steps.
The path to digital tool testing may be inconvenient, but it is unavoidable. The question is not if, but when and how companies will take it.
What is the situation in your company? Are you still stuck between paper and PowerPoint or have you already made the leap into the digital age of tool inspection? Share your experiences and challenges - let's find solutions together!
