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We are pleased to announce our February Member Spotlight - SolidCAD and Robert Kobielski.
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SolidCAD recently released new technology that allows users to create their own automated CAM programming process without coding knowledge.
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They also recently held a webinar to showcase their new tech, a segment of which can be viewed HERE, and the MAKE Productivity brochure can be viewed below.
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I had the pleasure of asking Robert a few questions.
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1. What are your goals for 2022?
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My goal this year is to address any fear and misunderstanding regarding the trend towards automation. In CAM programming and CNC machining, automation can increase throughput as well as the value of a skilled work person. I plan to provide clarity to businesses and skilled workers by highlighting the latest technologies that can optimize their processes and increase their autonomy.
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2. What are you most proud of in 2021?
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I am most proud of the influence the SolidCAD team has brought to the Canadian CAD/CAM industry. From being named Autodesk’s “Top Services Delivery Partner Worldwide” to the release of our automated solution “MAKE Productivity for PowerMill” we had positive energy that propelled us into 2022.
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3. What is a fun fact about YOU?
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In golf, I have a wishful sense of outcome off the tee. I lose plenty of golf balls, but finding those great shots keep me coming back. Professionally, the wishfulness becomes ambition and I still don’t let the setbacks overshadow the wins.
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4. What are 3 things people should know about SolidCAD?
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- SolidCAD specializes in technology that supports multiple industries including Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Civil Infrastructure, and Manufacturing.
- Our team of programmers and industry experts develop some of the greatest add-ons and toolkits to help maximize your workflow and get the most out of your software solution.
- SolidCAD provides one of the largest selections of software across Canada. Our offerings include products from Autodesk, Bluebeam, FluidFlow, CTC Software, and Lumion; and our custom products include the web-based modeling configurator Variant, and MAKE Productivity.
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5. Can you give a brief history of SolidCAD?
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For 25 years, SolidCAD has operated as one of the leading Autodesk Platinum Partners in Ontario. In 2017, SolidCAD and Cansel came together to form one national operation, newly branded as SolidCAD, a Cansel Company. Today we are the single largest Autodesk Platinum Partner in Canada.
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6. What is your background in industry?
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I had always enjoyed computer-aided design classes throughout high school and while at St. Clair College; this is why I first joined the industry. I was fortunate enough to start as an apprentice and complete my certification as a 429A machinist. Since then, I have held a variety of roles in CAD/CAM support, consultation, sales, mentoring, and education.
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7. What is something people may not know about the automation industry?
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Bringing automation into your manufacturing process does not mean that a skilled workforce is no longer necessary. In fact, the skilled persons find themselves more engaged in skillful work. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, the focus shifts to key decision making and optimizing throughput.
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ISA releases new white paper on industrial cyber security
The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA), as well as author Gary Rathwell, released a new whitepaper entitled "Implementing an Industrial Cybersecurity Program for Your Enterprise". ISA/IEC 62443 offers requisite tools to reduce the risk of financial, reputational, human and environmental impacts from cyber-attacks on Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).
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Future forward with the next generation of 5G-powered network-as-a-service offerings
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Publicity around 5G focuses on faster networks for consumers. Lesser known is its projected pivotal role in advanced manufacturing.
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A major barrier to next-generation manufacturing automation has been the limited capacity of networks to support data-intensive technologies such as automated vision systems, AI-powered apps, mobile robots, and massive numbers of IoT devices. A new generation of 5G-powered network-as-a-service (NaaS) offerings from Canadian telcos will help manufacturers fill this gap.
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Word of Law: An Intellectual Property Licensing Primer
The old adage “it is easier to seek forgiveness than permission” does not apply to a well-managed intellectual property (IP) portfolio, especially in the manufacturing sector. The commercial and legal reality is that many suppliers and contract manufacturing customers require written agreements authorizing – or licensing – use of their IP with certain conditions, to protect their IP used in the manufacturing process. Similarly, a proactive manufacturing company that uses its proprietary processes to manufacture goods under a supply agreement will typically incorporate IP license provisions in their supply contracts.
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CRA provides update on employer-provided benefits and allowances
If you are an employer who provides benefits or allowances to your employees, you know the importance of calculating taxable benefits accurately for payroll and T4 reporting purposes. In 2020, in response to COVID-19, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provided administrative guidance on how to calculate specific employer-provided benefits and allowances, including commuting costs, parking, and home office equipment. These positions were extended to Dec. 31, 2021 and recently further extended to Dec. 31, 2022.
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20 years, 20 predictions: How Canada's future is linked to technology
We all have a vision of how the future will unfold, but big changes in circumstance require us to re-examine those assumptions. Two years ago, most of us had never used a remote work platform or imagined that vaccines could be developed in months. Today, it’s hard to imagine life without these innovations.
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Manufacturing's new era requires new tools
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New website features dozens of manufacturing experts
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A new web-based instructional tool has just launched that aims to help manufacturers solve both their everyday “I run a busy shop” problems, as well as aid in bigger-picture executive skills development. It’s expert advice and training developed just for manufacturers.
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Manufacturing Masters and its accompanying website, www.manufacturing-masters.com, is a storage house of guidance from today’s best manufacturing minds. The site itself is the brainchild of Darrin Mitchell, a manufacturer turned content producer who envisions it as a Netflix for manufacturers.
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Ontario launches program to support Canadian Manufacturers across the province
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As part of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, AMIC is a new stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP). The two-year, $40 million program will support advanced manufacturing businesses to invest in the equipment, advanced technologies and skilled workforce needed to improve competitiveness and growth. As Ontario continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, AMIC will help to create and retain good jobs and address the need to restore the essential supply chains that will support economic recovery across the province.
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Manufacturing sales rose 2.6 per cent to $63.1 billion in November, even as flooding in B.C. caused disruptions at more than a quarter of factories across Canada, Statistics Canada said Monday.
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The agency said the overall gain in sales was the second consecutive month of growth as sales rose in 18 of the 21 industries it tracks.
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As we enter month two of a new year, we are happy to provide our members with new benefits.
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These benefits include exclusive discounts and access to reduced-cost services with our partner companies.
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Ensure you check our member benefits page often, as we are always working on increasing your access to a wide range of benefits.
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NEW MEMBER SERVICE PARTNER
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CAMM is happy to announce our newest Member Service Partner - Mentor Works.
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Mentor Works provides government funding information and assistance with applications. We are happy to work with Mentor Works, which will be offering our members two industry-specific, webinars in 2022.
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Details on this new partnership can be found HERE
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STRATEGIC INNOVATION FUND (SIF)
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This Canadian government funding program is uniquely targeted at Canada's industrial and technology sectors. SIF offers financial contributions valued at up to 50% of project costs. Funding is divided into 5 streams.
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IRAP Youth Employment Fund (YEP)
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YEP assists in the funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates (ages 15-30). Funding is available for up to 2 graduates for a period of 6-12 months with a maximum of $30,000 per graduate.
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SKILLS AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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The Skills and Talent Development Committee, in conjunction with CAMM and St. Clair College, have resumed their regular meeting schedule. If you are interested in this committee, please contact [email protected]
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Stay up-to-date on all committee activities on our website HERE
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Staying Competitive with Cobots - Webinar series held by Manufacturing Automation
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This webinar series will include information about:
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- Entrenching the culture of automation in your company
- The true cost of automation and robotics
- Where to get started with robots
- Use cases: real-life examples of manufacturers installing collaborative technologies
More information is available on our website HERE
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Government Funding for R&D Projects
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This informative webinar will highlight government funding opportunities for R&D projects.
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You can find more information HERE
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SAVE THE DATE - CAMM's annual Golf Tournament
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CAMM has officially scheduled their annual golf day. Please check your email for details.
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Be sure to visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on all Automate Canada and industry-specific events:
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If you have any suggestions for next months Member Spotlight please email your submissions to [email protected].
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Do you have a story or picture that you would like to see in the newsletter? All content submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Please ensure we have your submission by the 21st of the month, to ensure it is included.
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