In order to manufacture as economically as possible and use raw materials sustainably, many tools are reground and recoated. The tool passes through several stations in the reconditioning process, which are usually carried out by different companies. In order to be able to process the orders and allocate them accordingly, the tools are recorded several times. This procedure is very time-consuming for everyone involved, the machinists, the regrinders and the coaters. Physical accompanying cards run through the entire process chain together with the orders. If a regrinder has sent tools for coating, he does not know the respective order status. Frequent inquiries are the result. Coaters, regrinders and tool users have no overview of how often a tool has already been regrinded or coated. In some cases, the number of regrinds is only marked on the tool shank. All in all, the benefits are offset by a very high level of effort.

In cooperation with Oerlikon Balzers, c-Com, a subsidiary of the Mapal Group, is therefore developing an application that enables significantly more effective and transparent order processing. The prototype was presented at the EMO in Hanover. The only prerequisite for being able to use the advantages of digital coating processing is the serialization of the tools with a unique identification number.

The application from c-Com exchanges data with the "myBalzers" customer portal from Oerlikon Balzers. This digitizes the entire order processing process - all documents are available online. Documents such as delivery bills, invoices or order confirmations can be easily shared. The status of each coating order can be called up in real time. There is no need to inquire about the status of the order - a quick glance at the application is all it takes. In addition, the entire order processing is accelerated, as the data recorded for the order is available for all subsequent process steps. Machinists receive their tools back from reconditioning more quickly.

The machinist also knows everything important about his tool at all times. Thanks to c-Com's collaborative approach, they can access all information in the cloud. He knows how often his tool has been reground and receives comprehensive information on the coating. This data is helpful for optimizing processes: The cause of difficulties with the tool's performance can be identified and eliminated more quickly. The networking of the entire supply chain and thus comprehensive transparency, one of c-Com's overarching goals with its open cloud platform, is significantly enhanced by the inclusion of the coaters.