Published December 30, 2011 | 
OVERVIEW: Sign up and attend this web-based seminar to Learn How OEMs use Costimator to Improve Supplier Pricing
DETAILS: In less than 30 minutes we will first provide a quick overview — covering the 5 basic steps of estimating using Costimator and before we focus on the main topic (above), we will also share some of the included manufacturing data and show examples of some of the standard reports. Continue reading
Published December 28, 2011 | 
Service Machine Co, Inc. of Loves Park, IL has selected the company’s Costimator cost-estimating software in order to increase their cost-estimating speed and enhance the accuracy of their quotations.
As a full-service manufacturer, Service Machine Co, Inc. provides a variety of production parts ranging from small lot & high-volume parts to prototyping. They are best known for the use of their Proto-Track milling machines that can cost-effectively make fixtures, prototype and repair parts. Over the past few years, the company began to encounter many challenges within their cost-estimating process. Continue reading
Published December 21, 2011 | 
While there are a wide variety of reasons that manufacturers get inundated with quote requests, it should come as no surprise that “quote overload” can be both an asset and a liability.
On one hand, more quotes mean more opportunities for growth and success. On the other, too much of a good thing can turn bad. Jobs can be under/over quoted, inconsistencies in quoting can arise and it can take significantly longer to deliver quotes out the door.
Besides what it does to the estimators, Continue reading
Published December 16, 2011 | 
As part of our ongoing support and maintenance agreement for Costimator, MTI Systems offers two free advanced training classes per year to our customers.
Our fall training workshop was another successful moment where we helped estimators enhance their ability to use Costimator. Companies of varying manufacturing industries participated in our free training class including Kitchen Craft, Ultra Machine and Fabrication, United Gear & Assembly, and Gardner Manufacturing, each walking away with new incite on some of the advanced features of the Costimator system. Continue reading
Published December 9, 2011 | 
With the widespread attention posed by government agencies and educational institutions trying to increase manufacturing jobs in America, MTI Systems offers Costimator “its cost estimating software” at a significant discount promotion to community colleges and other educations – nationwide.
This program provides classroom licenses as an assertive step towards helping students get a more qualitative grasp on estimating the time and cost of making parts. Continue reading
Published December 1, 2011 | 
OVERVIEW: Signup and attend this web-based seminar to learn “How Manufacturing Suppliers use Costimator to Increase Sales”- (ended)
DETAILS: In less than 30 minutes we will first provide a quick overview — covering the 5 basic steps of estimating using Costimator and before we focus on the main topic (above), we will also share some of the included manufacturing data and show examples of some of the standard reports. Continue reading
Published November 30, 2011 | 
New content on the Costimator website gives prospects an opportunity to learn how the software works in real life situations.
This is just a quick update to let you know about our latest case study area we’ve added to our website. This section now features a variety of specific use content for prospects to browse. It ranges from case studies and testimonials to articles that can be used, as a resource, to help companies make more informed decisions — about whether or not this type of cost estimating solution is right for them. Of course, any of our customers may also find a valid tidbit they can learn from and share with their cost estimating team, as well. Continue reading
Published November 23, 2011 | 
The staff at MTI Systems, Inc, want to wish you and your family a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
In our fast paced world it’s so easy to forget all we have to be thankful for and how fortunate we are. May your day be filled with fun, laughter, complemented by a wonderful meal with loved ones and friends.
Have a great day everyone!
MTI Systems, Inc., 59 Interstate Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089 www.mtisystems.com
Published November 3, 2011 | This webinar has ended – please Sign up for another webinar
OVERVIEW: Attend this web-based seminar to learn “How to Prepare Consistently Accurate Estimates using Costimator”- (ended)
DETAILS: In less than 30 minutes we will first provide a quick overview — covering the 5 basic steps of estimating using Costimator and before we focus on the main topic (above), we will also share some of the included manufacturing data and show examples of some of the standard reports.
Sign up and view more information about this specific webinar topic. Continue reading
Published October 18, 2011 | 
Product cost management includes much more than just estimating the cycle and setup times for manufactured parts. Estimating beyond the part cost into the product cost includes the calculation of ever-changing material costs, overhead costs, shipping, supplier selection, and much more. When it comes to the packaging of a part, groups of parts, or an assembled product — the cost of the part can sometimes skyrocket because of ordinary oversights — through shipping and transportation.
Parts may become distorted or warped during shipment. Continue reading
Published October 12, 2011 | This webinar has ended – please Sign up for another webinar
OVERVIEW: Attend this web-based seminar to learn “Time-Saving Features and Benefits using Costimator Cost Estimating Software.”
DETAILS: In 20 minutes we will first provide a quick overview — covering the 5 basic steps of estimating using Costimator and before we focus on the main topic (above), we will also share some of the included manufacturing data and show examples of some of the standard reports.
Sign up and view more information about this specific webinar topic. Continue reading
Published September 30, 2011 | 
Looking back on the article “New Frontiers for cost estimating software” written by Thomas Charkiewicz, president and CEO of MTI Systems (see below for link), refers many points about how job shops and OEMs can cut waste in their manufacturing and it’s easy to acknowledge their relevance still exists today.
For example… take a look at this snippet:
“Buyers and suppliers who know the real cost of parts can intelligently and fairly negotiate with one another, build stronger relationships, and save money. Some OEMs that purchase a large dollar volume of parts require their suppliers to use the same estimating system. This creates a “standard estimating language” between the customer and supplier that streamlines the RFQ and purchasing processes within the supply chain.”
Published September 23, 2011 | Article by Robert M. Wilson, freelance writer.
Driven by the ever increasing pressures of a highly-competitive global marketplace, manufacturing companies worldwide are looking for ways to better understand, analyze and drive down the cost of their products. Over the past few decades, many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have outsourced much of their manufacturing and design activities to outside contractors. Add to these now established cost-containment strategies the new trend of outsourcing cost estimating. Continue reading
Published September 1, 2011 | 
What’s a great way to present and analyze cost estimating information?
It really depends on the environment. That being the personalities of the people involved, time commitment from the purchasing company and scheduling and quoting pressures from within the manufacturing facility. In some cases there just isn’t enough time to initially detail out enough information. Right now, companies left and right, are feverishly bidding quotations.
Nothing exactly new here, assuming you are one of them, but let me ask, “Why are the win ratios still so low for many, but not all, of the manufacturing companies?”
Almost literally, this leads to some management teams banging their heads on the table? Continue reading
Published August 24, 2011 |
Identifying correct times for moving material, setting up machines, and manufacturing parts has many challenges. Having quick and consistent access to this type of information, when agreed upon, can greatly streamline a company’s estimating and quoting ability. By also having the opportunity to change and update this information quickly and easily can greatly affect — winning more jobs — more effectively.
Numbers matter when it comes to making decisions!
Whether these numbers are for time or cost, having the ability to identify and view the numerical cost drivers, are critical steps in helping manufacturing and purchasing teams make more effective decisions – from both sides.
Consider the following familiar cost and price related situations:
Published August 16, 2011 | 
Staying organized and keeping track of quoting data, when a manufacturing company is inundated with requests-for-quotes, can be challenging, as well as, daunting. Manufacturers who don’t have a system and have been in a business for a long time endure even greater pains.
Through the years, estimating departments and quoting personnel have been tracking files by storing electronic documents as files, in MS-DOS (Microsoft – disk operating system) — now of course through windows (MS-Windows operation system.) Clearly this works great until the collection of files becomes too large making it difficult for users to sort through and find estimates — quickly and easily.
How so?
Published August 9, 2011 | 
Quick and consistent response, for manufacturers, can be critical to attaining the best sales.
Many times prospects and existing customers, during follow up, want more or something slightly different than what they originally requested. Sometimes, additional requests are made by prospects, so that they can analyze exactly how your company responds. Other times, its not intentional, but from the inherent nature of companies making decisions on what they need. There are also cases, where management or the production department, has identified something needs to be changed, so they return the RFQ to the estimator before it is even delivered to the prospect or customer.
Initial quotes have their challenges but making “consistent adjustments” greatly increases this challenge.
The first time a prospect contacts your team with a quote request, it could be because they are browsing for more than just the final number on the order. Yes, the final number is what makes the purchasing wheel go around, but there are times when question-after-question is asked to the sales and technical support team. For some prospects, those who have more questions than others, it may seem like they are not really an interested buyer. Continue reading
Published August 2, 2011 | 
Problems occur when estimators feel differently about themselves and their shop…
What the estimator may quote on Monday might be more aggressive than what they include for the estimates prepared on Friday. This can be attributed to a variety of things that occur in the shop and in regard to the estimator’s work-related activities. A declining bid-to-award ratio or less-profit identified on recently awarded job orders may “subjectively” influence an estimator’s decision and choices of what they include in their next estimate.
“The last thing any cost estimator wants is a job they win that costs the company money.”
Published July 29, 2011 |
When estimating the cost of manufactured parts, speed can be measured and compared from various points of reference and should really include things far beyond just getting out a quick number.
For example… the time it takes to create and print reports, review and update data, the effects of using consistent data, and much more. All being items of consideration which contribute to how much time it takes to access and deliver quality information. Often onlookers who are reviewing an estimating solution short-change some of the benefits when evaluating the use of computers and other electronic devices. The world is full of computers along with emerging computer users, but “non-computer” users still make up a fair portion of the people making decisions in the manufacturing community.
In talking with Richard Neff, the marketing manager of Cincinnati Incorporated which is a company that manufactures shear and laser machines, he shared that manufacturing owners and personnel, a larger number than most would believe, still operate shops with minimal computer assistance.
Published July 26, 2011 |
“Guesstimate*, an informal English contraction of guess and estimate, first used by American Statisticians in 1934″, can help manufacturers get orders… especially when teams are time-crunching their quoting. Our engineers have heard it said by manufacturers, “It’s a numbers game…we win some and we lose some!
During discussions with estimators and manufacturing engineers, our team has found things are frequently overlooked, skipped, or ignored – when incorrectly deemed unimportant. These small details, frequently labeled as immaterial, can lead to unfortunate results especially over the long run or when manufacturing in high quantity. The bottom line can be… reduced sales, decreased profits and… lost customers.
”Guesstimate* - defined as an estimate made without using adequate or complete information” …from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.