From Simple to the Complex, Siemens Virtual Product Expert Provides the Answers

Siemens recently introduced the Virtual Product Expert (VPE) support program for its CNC machine tool users, machine builders, dealers and importers. Customers can interact directly with a SINUMERIK CNC product expert and have their specific operation and programming questions answered — from the basic functions of the control to the most advanced machining technology aspects of the hardware and software suites. The service is offered to all Siemens CNC community members at no cost.

Fabricating & Metalworking wanted to learn more about the VPE. John Meyer, the marketing communications manager for Siemens Industry, Inc. provided insights.

F&M: The VPE program ranges from basic to advanced sessions; and advanced technology workshops are available. Tell us more about these options.

Meyer: Each Virtual Product Expert (VPE) session is customized to meet individual needs. There is no standard set of materials and no script to present from. Depending upon the Siemens control the customer is using, Siemens Virtual Product Experts will utilize either SINUTRAIN software or the Digital Twin in Create MyVirtual Machine to simulate the customer’s control and assist with programming and operation questions ranging from basic, 2-axis lathes, to 5-axis machining and even mixed technologies.

F&M: What are some of the topics the experts have been or may be fielding from customers?

Meyer: Topics and questions vary from simple to complex — for example, conversational milling and turning, G-code programming for milling and turning on the shopfloor, assistance with CAM posts, and even more, in-depth programming such as macro logic.

 F&M: What was behind the creation of the VPE?

Meyer: Our Virtual Product Expert program was a result of years-long, one-on-one engagement with our customers. We had been leveraging online technology to host discussions with live product demonstrations for our core customers since 2012. The VPE program allowed us to make the service a bit more formal while reaching a much broader audience. In the past, we were limited to the customers with whom we were already directly engaged. By making this accessible to everyone through a simple request portal on our CNC4you website, now we can engage with anyone interested in our solutions and services — and it doesn’t stop at our borders, either — we engage with customers all over the globe.  In fact, we were working with someone from Australia just the other day. This is truly a global community and services like this make it easier to bring the world a little closer together.

F&M: Is the access to the SINUMERIK CNC product expert through video conferencing, phone call, remote access?

Meyer: We utilize the latest online communications technology, such as Teams and WebEx, for example, to make it easy for customers to connect with us by a simple click of their mouse. These modern tools allow us to share screens and video cameras in order to make these one-on-one sessions truly interactive and personalized to each customer’s requests.

Virtual Product Expert: http://usa.siemens.com/vpe

Additional Machine Tool CNC Training: http://usa.siemens.com/cnc-training

www.usa.siemens.com

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