Mexlink

Challenge

There is a growing global shortage of skilled machinists. Fewer are being trained and graduating, leading to competition for the best talent. Mexlink identified an opportunity to leverage tacit knowledge in this market and wanted to transform years of expert experience into a scalable digital product. The remaining challenge was to turn a vast body of knowledge into an easily sellable service.

Solution

The Machinist Skills Map is an innovative product that automates the mapping and analysis of machinist competencies. Data is collected via a data collection platform application and transferred automatically through an API to a Power BI report, where the data is illustratively visualized. The API solution enables seamless data transfer and ensures real-time data updates. Power BI's Row-Level Security (RLS) ensures that each customer sees only their own organization's data. This enables the use of a single report template for all customers cost-effectively without security risks. The automated process and centralized maintenance make the product scalable for both individual machine shops and nationwide operators. A demo version of the Power BI report has been embedded directly into Mexlink's online store, giving customers the opportunity to envision their own strategy for competency management. International growth is supported by four language options: Finnish, English, Swedish, and German.

Results

• Mexlink can now offer its customers a unique tool for analyzing the competencies of machinists and fitters
• The automated solution is designed to support international growth and meet the industry's growing needs
• The Machinist Skills Map paves the way for Mexlink's international growth
• The collaboration continues with the development of a new industry-specific skills map