Questions, answered.
What we do, who we do it for, how it's priced and what we don't do. If your question isn't here, ask it.
Working with us
Short answers first. Every engagement starts with a 15 to 30 minute call to check fit.
What does AC Manufacturing Solutions do?
We help small and mid-size manufacturers make their processes repeatable: standardizing how critical operations are run, finding and measuring the real bottleneck, capturing knowledge that lives with a few people, and preparing processes for launch, transfer or automation. We also offer fixed-price packages for setup sheets, first article inspection reports, capability studies, drawing reviews and CAD from existing parts.
Who do you work with?
Machine shops, fabricators and product manufacturers with roughly 10 to 250 people, in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for on-site work. The fixed-price packages can be done remotely for shops anywhere in Canada.
How much does it cost?
Engagements have a written scope, a fixed price and an end date, agreed after an intro call. Fixed-price packages are quoted before any work starts. We don't do open-ended hourly support.
Do you work on site or remotely?
Process standardization, bottleneck analysis and knowledge capture need time on your shop floor, so they are done on site in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. First article packages, capability studies, drawing reviews and setup sheets from video can be done remotely from what you send.
How long does an engagement take?
Each engagement is scoped to a fixed end date, usually measured in weeks rather than months. The scope says exactly what will be delivered and when.
Will you keep our drawings and data confidential?
Yes. Drawings, data and process details are treated as confidential and used only for your project. We're happy to sign your NDA before you share anything.
Do you provide professional engineering services or seal drawings?
No. We don't provide services that require a licensed professional engineer, such as sealing drawings or certifying designs. Our work is process, quality and documentation support. Where a P.Eng. sign-off is required, it stays with your engineer of record.
Can you help with ISO 9001 or AS9100?
We help with the process work those systems depend on: work instructions, first article inspection, capability studies and knowledge capture. We don't certify or audit; that is done by your registrar.
What should I prepare for the intro call?
A short description of the process or product family, what is going wrong (scrap, rework, delays, variation or capacity), any operation you suspect is the constraint, and the outcome you want and by when. Data helps but isn't required.
Is the data I enter into the free tools stored?
No. The capability calculator and the stability self-assessment run entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to us unless you choose to send your results through the contact form.
Let's measure what's really happening.
Send a short note about the problem. We'll reply with whether we can help, and if we can't, who might.