Category: Blog

In precision machining, problems rarely come from lack of skill. They come from disconnected systems—where information changes hands, gets re-interpreted, or never makes it to the floor at all.

That’s where customers feel the impact.

At Marzilli Machine Co., we’ve focused on eliminating those gaps by running our operation through ProShop, connecting every step from quote to shipment.

The Customer Problem: Disconnected Systems Create Risk

Before work ever reaches a machine, many shops are already set up for trouble:

• Quotes live in spreadsheets
  
• Travelers are handwritten or generic
  
• Inspection plans are separate from production
  
• Schedule changes don’t always reach the floor
  

When systems don’t talk to each other, mistakes creep in. Setup takes longer. Jobs get reworked. Delivery dates slip. And customers are left managing uncertainty instead of planning confidently.

Our Process: One System from Quote to Ship

By running our shop through a single system, we remove those disconnects.

Using ProShop, we tie everything together:

• Quotes are built from real routing and historical data
  
• Every job has a defined traveler with operations, notes, and inspection requirements
  
• Quality requirements flow directly into in-process and final inspection
  
• Scheduling reflects real capacity—not guesswork
  

In short: what’s quoted is what’s run, and what’s run is what ships.

Perspective from Production: Less Guessing, More Cutting

From the production side, the difference is immediate.

Before everything was run through one system, the shop floor dealt with constant uncertainty.

“Chaos. Tooling was a big issue. Tools didn’t have specific homes, and there was no way to know ahead of time if we even had what we needed for an upcoming job.”
— Joe P., Shop Foreman

Starting a job often meant starting from scratch.

“Before, you’d get a work order and it felt like starting over every time. If we knew how we did it last time, it was because we tracked down the guy who remembered doing it.”
— Joe P., Shop Foreman

Today, jobs start with structure instead of memory.

“Having everything in one system makes the start of a job far more organized. You have a real starting point instead of guessing.”
— Joe P., Shop Foreman

Changes don’t disappear either.

“If something changes mid-job, we can update routing or document it as a process deviation so the planner sees it. That way the next time we run it, we’re better—not starting over.”
— Joe P., Shop Foreman

The result?

“Products get out faster and with less setup time, which means less cost for the customer. Better planning all around drives the cost down.”
— Joe P., Shop Foreman

Perspective from Quality: Built-In Traceability and Consistency

Quality sees the benefits just as clearly.

In the past, inspection requirements were communicated manually.

“We’d hand someone a paper print and say, ‘this is the number you’re trying to hold.’ They’d spend five or ten minutes scanning the drawing just to find it.”
— Chris K., Planner

Now, inspection is integrated directly into the job.

“Each dimension tied to an operation is in one place, with the inspection method attached. Everything they need is right there.”
— Chris K., Planner

That structure reduces setup time and confusion.

“We see less setup time because there are pictures in ProShop showing how the job was set up before, and notes that call out previous issues.”
— Chris K., Planner

It also improves first article and in-process inspections.

“There’s far less guesswork around how to measure a dimension or what matters most.”
— Chris K., Planner

And when questions arise—internally or from customers—traceability matters.

“If there’s ever an issue, we can see exactly where it occurred, how many parts were affected, and what needs to change next time. And if our records show the part met requirements, we have the data to back that up.”

— Chris K., Planner

What This Means for You

For our customers, this approach delivers real, practical benefits:

• Fewer surprises after award
  
• Consistent quality from first article through production
  
• Better on-time delivery performance
  
• Clear traceability for aerospace, defense, and regulated work
  

Most importantly, it builds confidence. When we commit to a date or a process, it’s backed by data—not hope.

Why This Matters

Precision machining today isn’t just about cutting metal. It’s about process control, communication, and predictability.

By running our shop through one connected system, we reduce risk, improve coordination, and act as a more reliable extension of our customers’ supply chains.

If you’re dealing with inconsistent deliveries or unclear feedback from suppliers, we’d be glad to show you how our system works in practice.

Have an upcoming job you’re planning?
Let’s talk early and get it right the first time.

When customers think about precision machining, they picture advanced CNC equipment, skilled machinists, and tight tolerances. What they don’t often see is the system behind the scenes that makes all of that possible: tool control.

At Marzilli Machine Co., that responsibility sits with our Tool Crib Manager, Crystal, whose work plays a direct role in protecting delivery schedules, maintaining consistent quality, and reducing risk on every job we run.

Keeping Machines Running, Not Waiting

Each day, Crystal ensures jobs heading to the floor are fully kitted, tools returning from machines are cleaned and inspected, and upcoming work is reviewed against incoming material. Tooling is ordered early—often as soon as material arrives—so production isn’t delayed waiting for cutters, inserts, or specialty tools.

Her focus is simple: keep machinists cutting parts, not hunting for tools.

When tooling is staged, inspected, and ready ahead of time, machines stay running. For customers, that means shorter lead times and more reliable delivery.

Scale That Supports Consistency

At any given time, Crystal manages tens of thousands of tools. That scale matters. Without tight control, even minor issues—such as a worn or incorrect tool—can quickly lead to downtime, scrap, or variation in part quality.

Tools are cleaned and inspected by hand using magnification and microscopes before being returned to inventory. This discipline directly supports consistent surface finishes, dimensional accuracy, and repeatability from first article through final part.

Data-Driven Tool Life Management

Tool life at Marzilli isn’t guesswork. Crystal uses ProShop to track parts per tool, manage regrinds, and monitor inventory levels in real time. This allows tooling to be replaced proactively, not reactively, and ensures fresh tools are available.

By maintaining accurate inventory and ordering tools in advance, production stays on track—and customers aren’t impacted by last-minute delays or rushed substitutions.

Preventing Problems Before They Reach the Floor

In shops without strong tool control, machinists lose time searching for tools, waiting on orders, or compensating for worn cutters. That downtime adds up quickly and can jeopardize delivery schedules.

Crystal’s approach eliminates those variables. When tooling is correct and ready, machines don’t go down. Many potential problems never reach the floor—not by chance, but through planning and discipline.

Built to Support Growth and Complexity

As Marzilli Machine Co. has grown and taken on more complex, higher-mix work, the tool crib has evolved alongside it. Implementing ProShop and dedicating a Tool Crib Manager were deliberate steps to support tighter tolerances, more demanding schedules, and increasing customer expectations.

What often surprises customers is how much anticipation goes into tool management—understanding what machinists will need and having it ready before it’s ever asked for.

The Bottom Line

“Machines can’t run without tools.”

That simple truth is why tool control matters. Through Crystal’s work in the tool crib, Marzilli Machine Co. delivers consistent quality, dependable lead times, and reduced risk for our customers—job after job.

Sometimes the most important part of precision machining is the work you never see—because it was done right before the machine ever started.

At Marzilli Machine Co., delivering high-quality parts on time starts with strong leadership on the shop floor. As General Manager, JP plays a key role in making that happen every day by managing the production schedule, solving issues as they arise, and keeping machines running efficiently.

JP’s focus is on consistency and execution — making sure jobs stay on track so customers get exactly what they expect. A big part of that comes from his passion for teaching. By helping machinists learn new skills and better processes, JP strengthens the entire team, which directly translates to improved quality, reliability, and throughput for our customers.

He began his career doing hands-on work cleaning, polishing, and sanding molds, and that foundation shaped his belief in continuous improvement. His motivation has always been learning what’s next and applying it to do the job better. An early opportunity from his first boss and mentor, Matt, helped set the tone for how JP approaches leadership today: giving people the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

As Marzilli Machine Co. continues to grow, JP is focused on managing a larger team and expanding advanced capabilities, including 5-axis machining. His goal is to keep learning so the shop can continue to support tighter tolerances, more complex parts, and demanding delivery schedules.

To JP, “precision customer service” means delivering perfect parts on time and working closely with customers to help them achieve the best possible outcome. One thing he values most about the MMC team is that everyone shares the same standard — striving for perfection on every job.

A Fully Connected Digital Thread: Excellerant + Paperless Parts + ProShop + High QA

To scale responsibly—and maintain the level of quality aerospace and defense demand—we’ve unified our operations with a single digital ecosystem that connects quoting, scheduling, machining, inspection, and real-time performance.

Paperless Parts — Faster, Smarter Quoting

• Accelerated RFQ turnaround
• Built-in manufacturability insights
• Seamless communication with engineering and buyers
• Cleaner handoff from quoting → programming

This is where the customer relationship begins—and now it begins faster.

ProShop ERP — Total Shop Control

• Live job tracking from contract review → shipment
• Tooling, BOM, setup instructions, and router control
• Real-time scheduling tied directly to machine availability
• Complete traceability for AS9100D + ITAR compliance

ProShop is the operational backbone that keeps every job aligned and visible.

Excellerant — Real-Time Machine Insight

• Automated cycle time & part count tracking
• Downtime alerts and bottleneck diagnostics
• Operator tablets for instant data capture
• Machine state visibility across the entire floor

This gives us a live pulse on production so we can react in minutes, not days.

High QA — Inspection, FAI, and In-Process Quality

• Ballooning, PFQ, and AS9102 first article automation
• Centralized inspection planning
• Live in-process checks tied to ProShop
• Faster, traceable documentation for customer reporting

It closes the loop between machining and quality so feedback flows instantly.

Together: A Scalable, Risk-Reducing Digital Spine

By fully integrating these systems, Marzilli Machine Co. now runs on a true digital thread—eliminating tribal knowledge, reducing variability, and increasing throughput without sacrificing precision.

Customers benefit from:

• Shorter lead times
• Higher quality consistency
• Faster quoting and communication
• Real-time visibility and traceability
• A more resilient, scalable supply chain

Quality at Marzilli Machine Co. is built into every step of the process, and Rich W., our Quality Manager, plays a key role in making that happen.

Rich’s days are fast-paced and varied. He spends his time training team members, programming the CMM, inspecting parts, supporting in-process inspections, writing procedures, and verifying gauges. His work touches nearly every corner of the shop, helping ensure parts move through production accurately and efficiently. 

The part of the job Rich enjoys most is CMM programming. He’s especially proud of integrating CMM inspection data directly into High QA, strengthening traceability and giving the team real-time insight into quality performance. He also takes pride in how far he’s come as a CMM programmer.

Rich’s manufacturing career began in high school at Old Colony RVTHS and continued at Acushnet Tool, where he programmed milling machines to produce molds. Along the way, his father had the biggest influence on his career, shaping the work ethic and standards he brings to MMC every day.

Today, Rich continues to sharpen his skills — focusing on management while constantly improving his CMM programming. He’s also interested in expanding into Mastercam in the future.

Outside the shop, Rich enjoys 3D printing, video games, and hiking. What keeps him motivated at MMC is seeing immediate results from his efforts.

To Rich, “precision customer service” is simple: shipping good product. And one value he sees throughout the MMC team is a shared drive to be the best at what we do.

That commitment to quality is why customers trust MMC — and why Rich’s role is so important to our success.

When you send work to Marzilli Machine Co., precision isn’t just something that happens on the machine. It continues through packaging, shipping, outside processing, and delivery. That’s why our Shipping Manager, Kim, spent time this week building a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect your parts beyond our doors.

While preparing components for anodizing, she documented the entire process—from how each part should be wrapped and secured, to how we label, track, and record documentation in ProShop. By converting her work into a visual step-by-step guide, Kim made it possible for anyone on our team to ship your parts exactly the right way, every time.

What does that mean for you?

• Consistently protected parts during transit and finishing
• Reliable documentation uploaded directly into your job record
• Repeatable handling standards for every order, not just from one person
• Reduced risk of scratches, dents, or mishandling

At MMC, we believe quality isn’t a department—it’s a system. And documenting how we ship your product is just one more way we protect your investment.

Your parts deserve precision from start to finish. And we’re building the processes that guarantee it.

At Marzilli Machine Co., great work starts with great people. And we’re lucky to have a team that includes seven women who help keep this shop running strong. In an industry where women make up less than 30% of the workforce, their presence here really stands out.

As an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWSOB) led by our CEO Lee Marzilli, representation isn’t something we talk about — it’s something we live every day. Lee’s leadership sets the tone for the culture at MMC: inclusive, disciplined, and focused on excellence.

Across the shop, the women of MMC keep work moving and standards high. In the front office, Sarah keeps operations organized and the entire company in line. Out on the floor, Crystal manages our tool crib with precision, making sure machinists have what they need to stay on task. Kim leads shipping and logistics, getting finished parts out the door accurately and on time. Lauren plays a key role in deburring, adding the finishing touches that ensure every part meets MMC’s standards for quality and craftsmanship. In Quality Control, Heidi helps uphold the accuracy and consistency our customers expect. And representing the company to the outside world, Emily drives our sales and marketing efforts, supporting growth and communication with customers.

Together, they bring skill, problem-solving, patience, precision, teamwork, and a whole lot of personality to MMC. They don’t just do important jobs — they help shape the way we work, support each other, and serve our customers.

We’re grateful to have them here and proud of what they bring to the shop every day. The future of manufacturing looks a lot like this team: diverse, driven, and built on talent.

To the women of MMC — thank you! 

This week we’re proud to highlight Sarah C., whose work plays a key role in the consistency, communication, and customer experience our partners rely on. As Marzilli Machine Company’s Office & Human Resource Manager, Sarah oversees the HR, accounting, and administrative systems that keep our operation aligned, organized, and responsive—ensuring our team can stay focused on delivering quality parts on time.

Sarah’s early passion for building and problem-solving shows up every day in the way she supports our workflows and strengthens the structure behind our production processes. By improving internal systems and communication channels, she helps create the environment where machinists, programmers, inspectors, and leadership can perform at their best—directly impacting the speed and reliability of the work we deliver to our customers.

She continues to expand her skills in financial and business analysis, sharpening the tools that allow us to plan more efficiently, communicate more clearly, and operate with greater transparency. Outside the shop, Sarah is a proud mom of two and is currently editing her novel with hopes of publishing.

What Sarah values most about MMC is the leadership’s commitment to investing in people. That culture—one built on accuracy, consistency, and reliability—is reflected in how we serve our customers every day. Her definition of “precision customer service” perfectly captures our approach: lead with excellence, stay dependable, and always keep quality at the center.

We’re fortunate to have Sarah supporting the foundation of MMC. Her work behind the scenes helps us deliver the level of service and precision our customers expect.