Siemens has launched Meet at the Machine, an initiative that brings together machine builders, software and automation technologies to help manufacturers improve productivity and shorten the time required to bring new CNC machines into production. The initiative provides a framework for Siemens and machine builders to jointly develop integrated machining solutions around specific manufacturing requirements. It combines engineering software, automation hardware and machine expertise to create connected workflows for programming, simulation, validation and machine operation.
Manufacturers are facing increasing production complexity, workforce shortages and pressure to achieve productivity gains more quickly. While advances in automation, software and digitalisation have expanded the technology options available to manufacturers, connecting these technologies into efficient production processes remains a challenge.
Meet at the Machine is designed to address this gap by establishing a continuous digital thread across the part manufacturing lifecycle. The approach connects engineering and programming with virtual validation and production execution, allowing manufacturers to prepare machining processes before a physical machine is installed.
“Manufacturing truth has always ultimately been at the machine,” said Mark Hindsbo, Head of Operations Software at Siemens. “By bringing together engineering software, automation hardware and machine expertise, we enable our customers and users to be productive faster, accelerate return on investment and reduce ramp-up time by up to 50 percent.”
The first phase of the initiative has been developed in collaboration with TRAK Machine Tools. It focuses on reducing the time between machine delivery and the start of productive machining. Under the model, programming, simulation and validation activities can begin while the machine is still being built. This allows manufacturers to prepare production processes and operators in advance rather than starting these activities only after installation.
Steve Pinto, President of TRAK Machine Tools, said, “When our customers invest in a new machine, their goal is to achieve productivity and business results as quickly as possible. Meet at the Machine creates a new model for collaboration focused on customer outcomes, and we are proud to be the first partner helping bring this vision to life.”
Siemens plans to expand the initiative through collaboration with additional machine builders. The company will use the programme to develop integrated solutions addressing manufacturing challenges and improving the connection between machine hardware, automation and engineering software.
The initiative also supports manufacturers seeking to reduce ramp-up periods and improve the transfer of manufacturing data across engineering and production. By bringing production preparation forward in the machine-building process, manufacturers can enter production with more processes already tested and validated.
Siemens Digital Industries supports companies in the process and discrete manufacturing sectors with automation and software for product design, production and optimisation. Its portfolio includes automation technologies, industrial software and Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform. Siemens Digital Industries has around 70,000 employees worldwide.
Siemens AG is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility and healthcare. It combines physical and digital technologies to support industrial and sustainability transformation. In fiscal 2025, Siemens generated revenue of €78.9 billion and net income of €10.4 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the company employed around 318,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations.
