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There are many benefits to owning a computer numeric control (CNC) system. From precise cutting to the high production output capability, it really is an amazing technological breakthrough.

The first real CNC routers became popular back in the 1940s. The first waves of machinery were very rigid in what they could perform — more like automated pin routers, for example, and not very impressive. Today’s CNC machines can design and route 3-D objects using much more advanced software.

So, what is it like to have a CNC in your business? For the most part, it brings great results. However, there are many things to think about besides the obvious production capabilities. Because this is a column on management, let’s look at CNC technology from that angle.

When a company decides to invest in a CNC machine, employees may have mixed feelings. Some may feel positive about the new possibilities. Others could have a different viewpoint. Let’s consider why some people may have negative reactions to the addition of a CNC.

One thing that could be of concern is cost. Procuring a reliable CNC system is a big financial investment. Some employees may not understand how the return on this investment will help the company in the long-term. They could adopt a short-sighted viewpoint that this will affect their raises or other benefits.

It is important to address these concerns so that shop employees’ fears are put to rest. You should explain that having the CNC would enable the company to make more money and produce a better quality product. This will ultimately lead to more business for the company and more job stability. We have all heard that you have to “spend money to make money.” In the case of a CNC machine, this is certainly true.

Some may have heard that a CNC can do the work of three men. This may make them wonder if they will be one of the three men to go. Honestly, I can’t think of many shops that have dismissed employees because they purchased a CNC machine. In fact, the opposite seems to be true.

From my observations, shops that do not have a CNC system need their most talented people on the floor making the tops. When it comes to solid surface, fabricating tops takes a very talented person. When a CNC arrives, the heavy thinking part now goes to the programmer. After the top is routed, putting it together is more like working a jigsaw puzzle. You can now use some of your less experienced work force to complete the top and better utilize those with the experience and know-how.

So, what do you do with the experienced work force? A couple of things come to mind. In my opinion, your best workers should be on the road putting in the tops. These people have always been your problem solvers, so what better place to put this type of employee than on the road handling installations? The last thing you need is tops coming back, and for the most part this doesn’t happen when your best men are doing your installations. A poor installation can also go a long way in damaging your company’s reputation. After all, this is the stage, other than perhaps the sales process, most intertwined with the customer. Most customers could care less about what you are doing at the shop. They focus on what the finished product looks like in their kitchen, and rightly so. Making sure your problem-solvers are on the job to make sure everything comes together properly in the install stage can produce an altogether better experience for the customers (and save time and money with less call-backs).