Thermwood Corporation ProjectPAK
Post a Response Subscribe Guidelines

Woodworking Business

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

cnc resistance

3/7/15       
frustrated

We are preparing to integrate CNC into a 8 man shop and receiving a lot of resistance in the shop. Anyone else experience that and how did you ease the transition when people are up in arms and even 1 builder is threatening to quit?
I can't explain to them we r trying to make their jobs easier not replace them:( any advice. For the response, "let them quit", we are so busy that if my main builder left, we would fall even farther behind and not able to meet deadlines. Any other advice welcomed:)

3/7/15       #2: cnc resistance ...
Ralph

People are resistant to change and feel threatened. It is not only the introduction of a router but can also be the software package. Overall it will make their job easier but you cannot tell them that and they will resist it at every turn, to the point of trying to make sure that work progresses slower. Yes there seems to be only one solution, have a one on one discussion with the resistors and explain the why the change needs to happen and how it will affect them. Unfortunately you might have to give them a choice to either stay and adapt or leave but be quick and firm before one or two bad apples spoil the barrel. Your "main" builder feels threatened that he will not be as important and loose positioning, that in itself is an issue that will lead to further issues when changes are required be it a CNC router, or some other production change. Sorry to say but you have let this happen and only you have the power to cure it.

3/7/15       #3: cnc resistance ...
Pat Gilbert

Tell them to look to the future without either CNC or at least the use of CNC. and that picture does not include shops that don't have CNC.

Look at the farmers 100 yr ago they were 90+ percent of the workforce. Today it is what less than 5%.

The implementation of technology has been a recent trend, every since the wheel was invented, it would be wise to jump in on this trend?

Do they have a disagreement with electricity as well?

3/7/15       #4: cnc resistance ...
Larry

Look up some of the posts on the woodweb about what affect CNC had on their business. If your head guy is so resistant he may cause you more problems than what he is worth. It is your business! Explain your rational for the change to a group meeting where everyone can state their case. You are not offering a vote on the subject! You are keeping them in the loop.
To tell the truth I didn't ask, I didn't see any resistance over 16 years ago either. resistance to change is a characteristic of the closed mind. Is that what you want in an employee? If there is a sign of sabotage, stop it instantly.

Things I did get resistance on: Conveyor system for all panel handling, hydraulic work benches. No one would now go back to the old way. Not that they were offered a choice.

3/8/15       #5: cnc resistance ...
james mcgrew Member

Website: http://mcgrewwoodwork.com

I had a few stalwarts,, there is no way we would be here given what we faced in 08/09 show them my website, I can have some of the guys talk to them. No one lost a job and we are double to triple what we were in work. when you free the basic time of part production you free up volume, this adds custom and profits.

there is a facebook page as well

Facebook Page

3/9/15       #6: cnc resistance ...
Jim Member

When I did it about 12 years ago, I explained to my personnel how it would help them earn more money due to more business. Also it would not result in less employees but rather more to handle the increase in volume that we would be able to handle. Some people weren't happy about it but learned to like it. Had 2 people quit over it which was a good thing as they were the type of people that were never happy with change. I have instituted many more changes over time that they would never had been able to handle it.

There is no way I could handle my current volume without the cnc. Best move that I have ever made.

3/10/15       #7: cnc resistance ...
Pat O'Sullivan

Website: http://rogershaw.com

All of the responses have addressed the issue you're experiencing with the resistance to change. This resistance is a poverty mindset and should be addressed by you, the owner. You obviously see the need for additional output and have addressed it with CNC capability. There are undoubtedly going to be efficiency advances and productivity increases, but those will be hampered and delayed unless everyone is on board. I agree with the poster who suggested a round table meeting explaining that it is the direction of the company. Investing in machinery doesn't eliminate the need for practical knowledge of how the product is manufactured, manually. In fact, it is a benefit for those working with it to have an understanding of what is supposed to be coming off of those machines. This knowledge positions those people for advancement, not obsolescence. Whether is is a profit sharing plan or a path to promotion, those who have been with you during the climb should be evaluated and informed of their part in your growth. They have an opportunity to be a part of the team or not.

3/10/15       #8: cnc resistance ...
Derrek

Website: http://closetdr.com

I recently attended a presentation by FANUC robotics. This is a common push back that people on the floor have. They pointed out that companies that add automation, generally increase business, become more profitable and hire more people.
I also spoke with one of the leaders at Revashelf who was involved in bringing them into the Lean world. The president met with the employees and promised them that nobody would loose their job as a result of these changes.
The integration probably won't be smooth and you will have 2 weeks of hell getting things sorted out, in the end though it will make things quicker, easier and more consistent.
In the end though, if that builder is gong to poison the well and fight it to the end, be prepared to move on without him.
I just read an article that dealt with the same thing.
Good luck

Woodworking magazine article


Post a Response
  • Notify me of responses to this thread
  • Subscribe to email updates on this Forum
    • To receive email notification of additions to this forum thread,
    enter your name and email address, and then click the
    "Keep Me Posted" button below.

    Please Note: If you have posted a message or response,
    do not submit this request ... you are already signed up
    to receive notification!
    Your Name:
    E-Mail Address:
    Enter the correct numbers into the field below:
     

    Date of your Birth:



    Return to top of page

    Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

    FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)



    • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Related Information:
    Knowledge Base: Estimating, Accounting and Profitability | Legal | Marketing

    Recent Threads at all Forums