Many small shops such as yours have debated whether to move to a fully 
integrated CAM system.  The primary benefit is that all of the tooling is 
created from one single database.  This makes it easier for controlling 
pre-production setup, archiving, and maintaining a centralized database. 
 The more sophisticated CAM systems are typically UNIX based because it is a 
multi-tasking operating system and offers the power and flexibility that DOS 
and Windows does not have.  With the advent of NT, this may change.  One 
particular system that has made tremendous headway in the industry of late 
is Valor's Genesis CAM product.  It is extremely powerful and fully 
customizable to match your production parameters thereby enhancing your 
tooling quality and cycle time.
To answer your questions more specifically:
A high-end CAM system such as Genesis has a longer learning curve than a PC 
based system.  Primarily because there is more functionality and 
flexibility.  However, it is extremely easy to use because the system can be 
customized and in many cases automated for routine functions.  Every job 
through the system can be setup with the same steps.  Genesis is an 
extremely powerful system capable of not only detecting deisgn rule 
violations but also provideing a histogram of the DRC results to help you 
determine the level of difficulty in producing the board.  This allows you 
to predict, to some accuracy, the yield you can expect out in the shop. 
 There are also functions to help enhance the manufacturability of the board 
to increase yield as well as cycle time.  And finally, money invested on 
improving your pre-production process can have high returns through improved 
yields, reduced cycle time and enhancing the value of the boards you ship.

George Murray
 ----------
From: TechNet-request
To: TechNet
Subject: Request comments on choosing CAM for our shop!
Date: Monday, July 01, 1996 11:40AM

We are a small shop (<40 employees) which regularly manufactures Mil-spec
boards of up to 16 layers.  About half of our tooling is supplied to us
as artwork only, the other half includes data as well (Gerber and/or drill).
Presently, we are using the Lavenir View+386 for our artwork editing and
panelization needs, and FasTechnologies NCCAM for drill and rout editing.
We are considering the purchase of an integrated CAM system, such as the
one sold by Orbotech.  I would like to solicit any comments on that system
or any other that you are using - unfortunately, I haven't seen many in
action, so I don't know the right questions to ask!  Some that come to mind:

* Easy to learn?

* Easy to use?

* Powerful?  Can it flag potential problem areas?

* Cost to benefit ratio.

I'd appreciate any help you can give me in making this decision!