Manufacturing Traceability Software for CNC Program Control

Manufacturing traceability is the systematic capability to track every aspect of production, including materials, operator actions, timestamps, and program revisions throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. In CNC machining, traceability guarantees that each part is cut using an engineering-approved program version. By logging who requested a file and when, shops maintain a verifiable audit trail that satisfies strict quality standards and prevents costly manufacturing errors.

The software identifies program requests sent directly from the CNC machine control via wired or wireless serial connections. When an operator initiates a request using defined keywords, the system cross-references the file with engineering records. It serves the current approved program revision while recording the machine identifier, operator details, revision code, and exact timestamp into a database to maintain full shop-floor accountability.

Yes. Machine Link™ QUICK Serve continuously scans connected machine controls for incoming file requests. Machinists embed simple keywords into the CNC program request file directly at the machine tool control. The software automatically processes the request and sends the approved file back immediately, eliminating the need for operators to walk across the shop floor to access a central computer.

When an operator makes necessary edits at the machine tool control, the modified program can be transferred back to the central system for engineering review. This ensures unverified changes are not permanently run without authorization. Engineering can examine the improvements, approve useful edits, and update the master revision history, fostering continuous process refinement and keeping future production cycles fully traceable.

Capacity depends on the software package selected. Machine Link™ QUICK Serve connects up to 3 machines simultaneously. Machine Link™ QUICK Serve PLUS expands communication to 20 concurrent sessions, while QUICK Serve PRO handles up to 64 simultaneous machine sessions from a single computer. For standard serial file transfer, Machine Link™ PLUS also supports up to 6 simultaneous communication channels.

Yes, you can evaluate Machine Link™ QUICK Serve, QUICK Serve PLUS, and QUICK Serve PRO free for 45 days. This trial period allows your shop to test remote file requests, verify machine control compatibility, and experience productivity gains firsthand. PDA-DNC™ is also available in a trial mode so users can test file transfers prior to registration.

Our software and engineering solutions support standard RS-232 serial communications with ASCII, ISO, and EIA character sets. For broader system integration, our engineering team works with SQL databases, PLC hardware, motion controllers, and industrial network protocols including Modbus, CAN, Profinet, UDS, and EtherCAT, along with National Instruments hardware for dynamic data acquisition and vibration monitoring.

Machine Link™ QUICK Serve packages include a Replacement Plan. If your computer fails within the first 2 years and you reinstall the software, you receive a replacement registration code free of charge for up to two instances. If failure occurs after 2 years, customers receive a 50% discount on their replacement order.