Rising order volumes and tighter customer deadlines were putting Microlaser Srl’s lean sheet-metal operation under severe pressure.
Manual job tickets, scattered spreadsheets, and limited production insight created bottlenecks that threatened delivery commitments and eroded margins.
Determined to stay competitive, the Tuscany-based workshop set out to overhaul its data flow from engineering desk to cutting table.
The following case study tracks that journey, outlining the pain points, the strategy chosen, and the measurable gains that followed.
Client Snapshot
Microlaser Srl is a ten-person sheet-metal fabrication company headquartered in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
The workshop specialises in laser and oxyfuel cutting, backed by CNC bending, to deliver semi-finished parts for regional industrial clients.
A lean workforce and agile scheduling enable swift turnaround on short-run jobs while maintaining consistent quality.
The Challenge
The company’s previous nesting software lacked timely technical support and could not supply live production insight.
Job details travelled on paper, while costs hid in separate spreadsheets. Duplicate data entry consumed hours, introduced mistakes, and disguised true labour costs.
With demand rising and an ageing workforce, Microlaser risked bottlenecks, rework, and shrinking margins unless it digitised operations from quotation to shipping.
The Solution
Microlaser adopted SigmaNEST for intelligent CAD/CAM nesting and SigmaMRP for manufacturing resource planning.
After a joint workshop with SigmaNEST engineers, the roll-out reached programming, scheduling, and shop-floor stations. Key capabilities now used every day:
- Automated import and nesting of part files for an Amada LC3015 F1 laser, HFP220-4L press brake, and Esab Suprarex RXE oxyfuel cutter.
- Live job status synchronised between SigmaNEST and SigmaMRP, giving planners instant insight into material, machine, and labour availability.
- Consolidated cost tracking that records personnel hours alongside material utilisation, exposing true job profitability.
Results
“SigmaMRP has enabled us to get a better overview of costs, especially those related to personnel deployment.”
Silvia Donnini, Owner, Microlaser Srl
- Faster order processing – digital data flow eliminates duplicate entry and paper trails.
- Real-time decision-making – planners schedule with confidence using live machine and material status.
- Resource reallocation – savings from one back-office retirement funded an extra workshop hire, raising quality and capacity.
- Smooth user adoption – long-time operators accepted the change quickly thanks to an intuitive interface and on-site support.
Why it Matters
Small fabrication shops must juggle complex jobs with limited manpower.
By unifying nesting and MRP, SigmaNEST delivers connected-shop advantages normally reserved for larger plants, but without enterprise overheads.
Readers exploring a similar path can learn more on the SigmaNEST Product page.
The Bottom Line
Microlaser Srl proves that fully digital, paperless production is achievable even for a ten-person operation.
SigmaNEST and SigmaMRP now steer every step, from order entry to finished parts, giving managers clear cost visibility and freeing operators to focus on quality work.
To replicate these gains, contact the MECAD Manufacturing team to arrange a personalised SigmaNEST demo and discuss the benefits for your own shop.
Content adapted from the original case study published by SigmaNEST.
