In this episode of the Integrate Intelligently podcast, host Jeff Brickler talks with Jonathan Schroeder and Ethan Kinney from PBC Linear about their remarkable journey toward manufacturing automation. The conversation explores how PBC Linear, a leading manufacturer of linear motion components founded in 1982, transformed their engineering and manufacturing processes through innovative software solutions including CADTALK. Jonathan and Ethan share insights about their vision for end-to-end automation, from customer configuration to shop floor production, and how this approach has revolutionized their business operations.Key Takeaways:PBC Linear's automation journey began with the goal of streamlining their engineering processes for their vast product catalog, which includes over 126,000 variations of their simplicity bearing alone.By implementing a configurator system integrated with CADTALK, the company reduced what would have been months of manual engineering work to mere hours, generating complete models, drawings, and production documentation automatically.Their automated system now performs the equivalent work of 6-8 full-time engineers, representing approximately $2 million in annual salary and benefits savings.The rule-based system provides consistency and explainability across all products, allowing for rapid adaptation to supply chain changes and uniform pricing updates.Integration between their CPQ system, SolidWorks, and ERP system through CADTALK has enabled true end-to-end automation from customer configuration to job packet printing on the shop floor with minimal human interaction.Key Moments:00:00 - 05:19 Introduction to PBC Linear and its history since 1982, including their transition from Pacific Bearing Company to PBC Linear as they expanded their product portfolio.05:19 - 10:57 Discussion of PBC Linear's diverse product offerings and business strategy to avoid being dependent on any single industry or customer.10:57 - 19:18 Exploration of the engineering challenges that led to automation, including Ethan's explanation of their journey to develop a configuration system for their complex product line.19:18 - 24:32 Jonathan shares his vision of complete automation from customer website interaction to shop floor production with no human intervention.35:35 - 40:31 Insights into how operational drawings and CAD integration through a Model Based Enterprise approach creates a single source of truth for manufacturing.43:05 - 48:44 Details on their end-to-end system implementation completed last year, and how it has transformed their business operations.48:44 - 51:49 Discussion of how their automation system has enabled consistent pricing strategies across their vast product range.51:49 - 56:03 Explanation of how automation has dramatically reduced their engineering change management needs from 9-10 people to just 2.5.56:03 - 01:03:22 Advice for other manufacturers considering automation, addressing common objections and providing guidance on approaching integration projects.Learn more at our website.Follow us on LinkedIn.Schedule a demo.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Ver todos los episodios