Do you recognize this?
You want to be a smart factory, but reality is different. Paper is everywhere - work orders, drawings, checklists - being manually retyped into different systems. You know this is inefficient, but every attempt at improvement seems to create more problems than it solves.
That new software you tried? Too complicated for your people, or licenses so expensive you can't give everyone access. Your CAM program works fine, but files still need to be manually transferred to production. Your ERP system has all the data, but nobody can quickly access what they need.
And then those errors... Orders that get passed along incorrectly, material that's not ready because communication went wrong, deadlines missed because someone forgot to update the schedule. Errors you could have prevented if your systems just talked to each other.
The real problem? You want to work digitally, but it's unclear what's actually possible. Software vendors promise a lot but give confusing answers. You know action is needed - competitors are pulling ahead - but where do you start? And how do you ensure it works this time?
The frustration grows because you know other companies have figured it out, but you're stuck with confusion, uncertainty, and systems working against each other instead of together.
Picture this instead...
It's Monday morning. You walk in and see your entire week's schedule ready - automatically generated over the weekend. With just a few clicks, you release new orders for production.
You deliver 100% on time. Always. Because you know exactly where every order stands, which machine becomes available when, and if bottlenecks are coming. You have complete control over your operation.
Customers receive an accurate quote within the hour - not because you type faster, but because your systems do the heavy lifting. Your margins are crystal clear. Your capacity planning is based on real-time facts instead of Excel sheets and gut feeling.
Your work planners focus on complex matters and challenges instead of copying data from one system to another. Your operation runs so smoothly that you finally have time to work on growth instead of just solving problems.
You're not just a sheet metal company - you're a smart factory.
My approach for your transformation
Smart Factory Transformation for Sheet Metal Companies
I transform your fragmented systems into a fully connected digital factory through my proven 4-step approach:
⭐ Step 1: Digital Diagnosis
Thorough analysis of your current systems, processes, and bottlenecks. I map your current position and identify where the biggest gains can be made.
⭐ Step 2: Smart Factory Blueprint
A custom-designed digital architecture with Unified Namespace as the backbone. This becomes your roadmap to a fully connected factory.
⭐ Step 3: System Integration
Practical implementation and integration of all your systems - ERP, CAM, MES - so data flows seamlessly and manual work disappears.
⭐ Step 4: Optimization & Implementation
Continuous guidance and fine-tuning until your team fully masters it and the new way of working becomes part of your DNA.
Every transformation is fully customized to your specific situation, systems, and goals. This process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the complexity and scope of your project.
Who am I?
Luke van Enkhuizen - from shop floor to Smart Factory Architect
I come from the shop floor. 15+ years ago, I started as a welder and have experienced every level of the metal industry. At a sheet metal company, I held every position - from welder to process engineer - and there I implemented ECI Ridder iQ, connected it to TRUMPF Oseon, and built the first integrations with all the challenges that come with it.
Currently, I work with sheet metal companies from 5 countries and have completed 20+ successful projects - ERP implementations, integrations, Unified Namespace architectures. As a sought-after speaker and trainer for organizations including the Dutch Metal Union, Flemish initiatives, and European Union events, I specialize in interactive sessions - no boring PowerPoints.
Unlike many other consultants, I am 100% independent on all fronts: IT, metal, and business management. I seamlessly switch between management and your team because I speak both languages.
Start with a free strategy session
Click below to schedule a no-obligation 50-minute discussion. We'll discuss your specific situation and I'll share insights from my experience with similar companies.
In this discussion:
- I listen to your specific challenges and goals
- I share insights from my experience with similar companies
- We'll both assess whether there's a good fit for long-term collaboration
No obligations, no sales pitches. Simply an honest discussion about potential collaboration.
⚠️ My schedule is limited. I only keep a few slots available per week for these conversations.
What clients say about me
Trusted by leading sheet metal companies
"Luke's expertise in digitalization was decisive for our smart factory decisions." - Willem Hoek, Manager at SAG Alutech
"Our investments in automation projects with Luke lead to shorter lead times and lower cost prices." - Ton Koridon, CEO at Koridon Industrial Sheet Metal Processing
"Action-oriented, direct with suppliers, and clear about what's achievable. Luke keeps both feet on the ground." - Arjan Peterse, Heudra Cutting Technology
"The professional and goal-oriented approach resulted in a stable Portal-Oseon MetalHUB integration. A valuable consultant." - Yves Hesemans, P&G Metalworks
"The masterclass provided directly applicable solutions and was strongly focused on current practical problems." - Roy Haasbroek, Singeling Construction-Welding Technology
"Luke is enthusiastic, thinks along, and has extensive expertise. The interaction and personal advice were very valuable." - Jona Prins, Aldowa
Ready to see what's possible for your company?
Trusted by 15+ sheet metal companies
50+ sheet metal companies analyzed • 8+ years specialization • 100% independent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for my company?
My approach works best for sheet metal companies with 30-300 employees, starting from approximately €3M revenue, that work with systems like TRUMPF machines and/or Ridder iQ ERP.
Do we need in-house IT knowledge for this?
Not at all. I guide your team through the entire process and ensure everyone understands and can apply the solutions. Knowledge transfer is a core part of my approach.
We've been disappointed by consultants before. Why are you different?
I come from the shop floor. I started as a welder 15+ years ago and have worked at every level of the industry. I understand your challenges because I've faced them myself.
How much time will this require from our team?
The impact on your daily operations is minimal. I handle most analysis and development work independently. For implementation, I plan everything carefully to avoid production disruptions.
Will this work with our existing systems?
Absolutely. Much of the benefit comes from making your current systems work better together. New software is often unnecessary.
How do I know this will deliver results for us?
That's why we always start with a thorough diagnosis. Only when we're both confident that significant improvements can be achieved do we proceed to implementation.
Why choose my approach
Ready to take the next step
The companies that start their digital transformation today are tomorrow's market leaders.
You're almost at the end of this page! Don't waste another year by moving slightly in every direction.
Sign up now for a personal strategic session.
No obligations, no sales pitches. Simply an honest discussion about potential collaboration.
Not sure yet? Send me an email at office@sheetmetalconnect.com.