NEW KNOWLEDGE FORUM BUILDS BRIDGE BETWEEN USER AND MANUFACTURER

As a developer and manufacturer of linear and rotary encoders, angle encoders and numerical controls, HEIDENHAIN supplies directly to machine manufacturers, who in turn offer the final product to a user. To build a more direct link with that end user, HEIDENHAIN has now launched the TNC Club knowledge platform. We spoke with Olaf Van der Taelen, who explains the importance of this new forum for each party.

HEIDENHAIN is best known in our region for its applications in machining, where it is in turn known for its CNC machine controls under the designation TNC. 

Olaf Van der Taelen: "The link between the users of the control and HEIDENHAIN actually consisted of a series of intermediate links, and was therefore very indirect. Although the most direct link is with the machine builder himself, he usually does not delve into the matter of the control system itself as much as an end customer, because he ultimately works with the machine itself. In this way, the demand from the user community for more direct involvement grew, and so the idea for TNC Club was born. The idea is to maximize and especially centralize the interaction between users and HEIDENHAIN itself."

Such a forum already existed in the German-speaking part of Europe, and in Italy, but for Belgium this is a first this summer. The focus is initially on the website www.tnc-club.be/, where, first of all, all relevant information for the users of those controls was brought together, but the users can also meet virtually. 

Webinars

With TNC Club, HEIDENHAIN wants to address the full potential so clearly. The diversified membership gives users direct access to a series of nicely developed webinars - duration is 30 to 60 minutes - which are updated and expanded according to user needs. 

Customer feedback is always the basis, as the platform is also used as an idea box for the creation of possible new webinar topics. The website also provides a nice overview of all relevant real life trainings, with their respective availabilities, and of course the place and date of these trainings. 

In addition, HEIDENHAIN also organizes international events where the very latest solutions for Heidenhain controls are presented, and where the TNC Club welcomes visitors. 

TNC Club lounges will also be available at larger trade fairs; an excellent initiative because users will be able to address all their questions directly to subject matter experts who will share their experience in, among other things, the manufacture of complex workpieces. 

Feedback

HEIDENHAIN is counting on an important influx of feedback from TNC users during the ongoing expansion of the website. How can HEIDENHAIN help users? What new developments do they need? How can training and further education be supported?

A typical and recurrent working point, for example, is the programming language, which, like any spoken language, is a living entity, strongly influenced by its environment. Direct feedback should bring new language needs, features and other modifications to the developer much faster. 

Finally, the centralization of data on a single platform allows for the elegant retrieval of programming books and specific training and, above all, a giant leap forward in terms of user accessibility. 

Bespoke

The diversification of memberships also offers numerous opportunities for many different types of customers. There is a basic package that allows you to enjoy a nice volume of facilities for free on the website, but if you go for Premium, you also get a real learning set at your disposal. This offers your employees the opportunity to practice very one-on-one using, among other things, the programming station: a powerful simulator that allows your digital twin to perform machine simulations directly in a 100% virtual environment that is barely distinguishable from reality.