Inside the MedFab Make More Tour: Real Conversations Driving Real Manufacturing Change

The Make More Tour stopped at MedFab, putting the spotlight on data-driven problem-solving and the role of AI in modern manufacturing.

The Make More Tour made its way to MedFab Precision Solutions in Lakeville, MN, bringing together manufacturers, partners, and software providers for something simple yet rare: honest conversations about where the industry is headed and how AI in Manufacturing is taking center stage. No decks. No pitches. Just a chance to share what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next. Here’s what we uncovered: 

Solving Problems with Data, Not Guesswork

At MedFab, production challenges aren’t hidden; they’re identified and resolved quickly. The guest received a tour of their facility, which was established to support the medical device, semiconductor, and other high-tech OEM industries with short- to extended-run, tight-tolerance machining requirements. Attendees gained a clear understanding of what a smart, data-driven shop truly looks like. Since implementing Datanomix, they have combined real-time monitoring and historical insights to stay ahead of delivery timelines, eliminate bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement.

One example they shared stood out: a legacy part was consistently lagging. Instead of throwing more hours at the problem, the team utilized Datanomix to delve into the data, identify inefficiencies, and implement targeted changes. They re-engineered the part, updated the tooling and program, and achieved a 400% increase in speed, with real-time data to prove the ROI.

From spotting slowdowns to correcting cycle time deviations and detecting subtle shifts in operator behavior, Datanomix enables MedFab to respond in real-time and validate changes over time. This isn’t just about looking at dashboards, it’s about turning insight into action.

Overall, the tour provided a clear view of how Datanomix enables real-time, cross-functional problem-solving on the shop floor, demonstrating to attendees how Medfab is transforming everyday challenges into measurable wins.

Roundtable: AI, Without the Hype

During the roundtable discussion, the conversation quickly and repeatedly gravitated toward AI: Where does AI fit in manufacturing today? What does it realistically enable? What still requires human expertise?

Attendees explored everything from quoting and scheduling to tooling and CAM systems, asking the same core question: How far can AI go before human expertise still needs to step in? 

The consensus? AI is here to assist, not replace. It enables manufacturers to do more with the same people. It augments tribal knowledge, surfacing inefficiencies, and helping teams move faster. But it doesn’t work without context.

As discussed in our recent blog, AI’s greatest impact in manufacturing occurs when it’s embedded in everyday workflows, rather than as a separate tool, and during this event, shop leaders agreed that the promise of AI lies in its ability to take action on live data and historical patterns, not just surface another dashboard full of numbers. But even with smart insights, someone on the team still needs to validate and apply the recommendation.

We were grateful to have Fulcrum’s team join us and contribute to the conversation, highlighting how quoting intelligence, data integrations, and software ecosystems are converging to create smarter, faster workflows for manufacturers. When systems like Fulcrum and Datanomix work together, the result isn’t just more automation, it’s more confidence in every decision.

The discussions at Medfab weren’t theoretical. It reflected what modern manufacturers are actively wrestling with: how to evolve their processes without losing what makes their shops work. And that’s exactly the conversation The Make More Tour is designed to elevate and move the industry forward—not in theory, but in practice.

Community, Cheese Curds, and a Strong Foundation

Smashburgers, cheese curds, and sundaes capped off the event in true Midwest fashion. 

A big thank you to MedFab for being such generous hosts, and to everyone who showed up ready to collaborate and push the industry forward. These events work because of the people who come willing to share, challenge, and learn from one another. 

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Learn More About MedFab Precision Solutions

Want to see how MedFab is using data to drive smarter decisions and continuous improvement? 

• Listen to their podcast interview on The Gunn Show to hear how they’ve built a data-first culture—and why their team doesn’t wait to fix problems.
• Watch their Customer Story to learn how they use Datanomix to identify bottlenecks, re-engineer parts, and validate ROI with real-time data.
•  Catch their Manufacturing Mavericks episode: “The Impact of Betting on Yourself,” for a deeper look into leadership, trust, and the power of building the right team.

 Visit medfabinc.com to learn more about their capabilities and what makes them one of the most forward-thinking shops we’ve met.

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What’s Next?

We’re bringing The Make More Tour to shops throughout North America. The casual setup, no printed agendas, no formal decks, is intentional. It keeps the focus on real conversations and lets ideas flow naturally. Stay tuned for the next one near you!

Curious how Datanomix fits into your shop? Don’t wait for the next tour, Schedule a demo and see how real-time insights can turn your production challenges into measurable wins.