Driving Innovation in Global CNC Manufacturing

In an exclusive conversation with Global Leaders Insights, Roberto Deger, Member of the Management Board & CFO, CHRO at INDEX Group, discusses how artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping global CNC manufacturing. Deger explains how the company is leveraging decades of operational data to deploy AI-driven solutions that accelerate quoting processes and support service engineers through intelligent knowledge systems. He highlights the growing importance of intuitive machines, simplified software, and flexible manufacturing solutions as companies face labor shortages and market uncertainty. 

How is your organization leveraging AI automation and IoT to drive innovation in global CNC manufacturing today?

Currently, we are focusing on enabling AI as a first step to increase the efficiency of our processes. For example, we are implementing an AI-based solution to optimize our quoting process. As you can imagine, being a company with more than 110 years of history, we have developed a vast number of quotations for customers based on their very specific requirements.

This means we have a huge amount of data. With AI, we can now leverage this data to provide customers with responses to their requests much faster.

We are also developing a solution to support our technical service teams. Here again, we have thousands of service reports from our technicians. If a service engineer encounters an issue with a machine, they can use our chatbot to quickly access potential solutions based on this extensive database.

When it comes to enabling AI directly in our machines, the vision is slightly different. In the future, we want to move from a customer’s 3D design of a part directly to accelerated CNC programming and application development. This would allow us to deliver a turnkey manufacturing solution much faster.

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What are the key strategies to help CNC manufacturers stay competitive and innovative in an evolving global market?

The challenges vary depending on whether you look at Europe or the United States. However, there are a few common challenges that apply to all markets.

One of the most important is reducing complexity. Many companies, particularly in the US and Europe, face difficulties recruiting and training qualified employees. Because of this, customers expect machines and software that are extremely easy to use.

Our goal is to develop equipment that is intuitive and simple to operate. Once again, AI can play a major role here by helping translate customer requirements into turnkey solutions without requiring multiple manual steps in between.

How does digital transformation improve precision, efficiency, and cost control in modern CNC operations?

Digital transformation plays an important role in improving cost control. We have developed automated dashboards that provide direct access to large volumes of data.

This data comes from machines as well as various operational processes, including technical support, manufacturing, and service activities. These dashboards allow us to monitor key performance indicators almost in real time.

Instead of waiting for monthly reporting cycles, we can track developments continuously and make necessary adjustments quickly. This helps us fine-tune operations and improve overall financial performance.

Also Read: How Businesses Can Deliver Impact in 2026

What major challenges do global CNC firms face, and how can innovation address these barriers effectively?

Machine tool companies are currently facing several challenges. One major issue, particularly in Germany and across Europe, is rising labor costs and inflation.

At the same time, geopolitical developments are creating additional uncertainty. Trade tariffs and shifting global policies are affecting investment decisions and long-term planning.

In such an environment, companies require stability to make major investment decisions. While the world will never be completely stable, the current level of uncertainty is quite significant.

To address this, our focus is on providing machines that are highly flexible. A customer may produce one type of part today, but tomorrow they may need to switch to something completely different. Our machines are designed to allow this flexibility while also ensuring a fast return on investment.

Since long-term planning has become more difficult, it is essential that customers see a relatively quick payback from their machine investments.

How do you see global CNC manufacturing evolving, and which technologies will shape its future growth?

The future of CNC manufacturing will be shaped by increasingly autonomous machines. AI-supported systems will become more common, making machines easier and more intuitive to operate.

Automation will continue to increase as manufacturers look to maximize machine productivity, especially in environments where skilled labor is limited.

Without a doubt, artificial intelligence will be one of the key technologies influencing CNC machines in the future.

What advice would you give for emerging CNC leaders?

Having a clear focus allows companies to allocate capital and resources effectively. At the same time, it’s important to maintain a pragmatic mindset.

Customers are ultimately looking for solutions that are practical, easy to use, and deliver real value. Companies that prioritize these qualities are more likely to succeed.