Feature Based Cost Estimating for Machine Shops

Taking a trip around the net you might find a few of the machine shop job costing and estimating software applications out there touting there application as "FEATURE BASED" estimating. My first reaction is always ... REALLY ??? Does anyone really fall for that sales gobbly-gook speak ???

What else would you want to estimate ... THE NON FEATURES ?????

With further thought it becomes abundantly apparent that it simply sounds good ... makes for a good sales pitch ... catches the eye ... but the reality is ... don't be fooled. As a professional think about it. If you have a part with a variety of "features" that need to be machined ... the simple act of estimating the time to machine those features ... WHICH IS REALLY ALL THE ESTIMATE IS BEING CREATED FOR ... is the act of feature based estimating. THERE ISN'T ANY OTHER TYPE !!!

AND ... if you are touting feature based estimating you better be able to handle ALL kinds of features ... not only simplistic milling and turning of simplistic parts. Real world workpieces have odd shaped pockets and contours ... odd shaped turned parts with various types of grooves and undercuts. Simplistic "feature based" estimating app's simply don't handle the "real world" well.

Take a look at "feature based" estimating on STEROIDS in our KipwareCYC® - CUT LENGTH CALCULATOR video ... the link is below :

For additional information on the complete KipwareCYC® - Machining CycleTime Estimating Software application ... CLICK HERE.

AND ... for complete information on turning that cycletime estimate into a complete COST ESTIMATE and QUOTATION ... check out KipwareQTE® ... CLICK HERE.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

DUMP the "wizards" ...

STOP being held back ...

GO PRO ...

BE A PRO ...

with Kipware®