You’re probably aware of giants like Lantek, SigmaNEST and AlmaCAM, which are overkill (in both features and price) for most small business. There are some major differences between Otimize Nesting and these players, but let’s first take a look at the features Otimize Nesting shares with the big Cut Layout Optimization (Nesting) software:
Automatic Cutting Diagrams - For CNC or manual cutters like routers, laser, water jet, saws, guillotines etc.
Material configuration - Keep your list of boards and sheets. Configure kerf, margins, rotation angle and other specific features.
Import and export - Integrate with other tools like CAD, CAM, ERP, TXT, Excel, etc.
Label printing - Make part traceability into a reality identifying produced parts uniquely as they are being cut.
Reports - Create reports you can use on the shop - Nesting reports are practical guidance so you know in advance the material you will consume, the best cut sequence for each board and all additional operations on every part.
Based on the list above, It might seem like we have everything in common. So what is the biggest difference between Otimize Nesting and ProNEST, SigmaNEST and Radan? The biggest difference is Otimize Nesting is much easier to setup, and our customers do this with no training required. Instead of spending a few weeks and a few thousand dollars on consulting fees, you can set it up, on your own, in a few minutes. Then there’s pricing. Some other software starts at $10,000, and most users quickly hit the $18,000 license. Contrast that with Otimize: the basic subscription meets the majority of users’ needs. And this includes updates and do not require servers or maintenance. But when would one of the heavyweight players be a better choice? If you have a fully automated manufacturing process, then you’ll want to consider them. If you don't have to worry about making estimates and the parts are always the same shape with fixed quantities, these other solutions may be a better choice. We say Otimize Nesting is lightweight nesting software because it is easier to use and less costly than its heavyweight counterparts, yet doesn’t cut corners with our feature set.
How does Otimize Nesting compare to other software?
Otimize Nesting is in a different category of tools than traditional nesting software. Traditional solutions are designed to make cut layout optimization at the shop floor, usually on the same PC that contains the machine control (CNC) software. Usually this happens due to licensing constrains and unfortunately, while the machine is operating, no one can make estimates or simulations. Traditional cutting diagrams software performs cut optimization in a "per sheet" basis, so the final material yield is not optimal compared with a planning where all cutting operations are planned in advance. In addition, most software makers tend to include as many feature as possible in the software package, making is very difficult to setup and use. They also require a internal server to keep data available for sharing and protection. This also requires some personal to keep everything running. We believe a cutting diagram software is a production planning tool, that must be useful for estimates, order automation and machine code automation. Using the power of cloud computing we make things simple, accessible and lightweight across the business. Hopefully you have a clear picture of the differences between Otimize Nesting and some of the other players in the space. P.S. And if you haven't yet tried Otimize Nesting, you should start up a free trial here.