Low-Code CNC Automation Platform for Manufacturing Integration
MiConnect is a low-code CNC automation and manufacturing integration platform that allows engineers to build automation applications in a fraction of the time required for traditional development.
Designed specifically for manufacturing environments, MiConnect connects CNC machines, robots, gauging systems, sensors, and factory software into unified automation workflows — without custom programming.
Modern factories rely on a wide range of machines, devices, and systems that must work together. Traditionally, integrating these technologies requires complex coding, long development cycles, and rigid infrastructure.
MiConnect eliminates that complexity through a visual application builder and prebuilt device integrations, enabling manufacturers to rapidly automate workflows, reduce errors, and adapt processes at any time.
Build CNC Automation Applications Without Coding
Custom automation projects have historically required months of programming, testing, and deployment. MiConnect changes that. Using its low-code application builder, manufacturers can build and deploy automation workflows in days, hours, or even minutes instead of months.
MiConnect provides a visual, flowchart-based application builder (editor) that allows manufacturers to connect devices, configure logic, and automate workflows without traditional programming. Using a drag-and-drop interface and prebuilt integrations, engineers can rapidly design, deploy, and modify automation applications that connect machines, systems, and processes across the shop floor.
Connect Machines and Devices
MiConnect integrates CNC machines, robots, gauging systems, sensors, and software platforms using prebuilt communication drivers and plugins.
Configure Automation Logic
Engineers define workflows using drag-and-drop logic blocks, creating automation rules based on machine states, sensor inputs, or operator actions.
Control Process Flow and Operator Interaction
MiConnect guides operators through step-by-step workflows, ensuring processes are followed correctly and consistently. Progression control holds the process at critical steps until required actions are completed, reducing risk and reinforcing compliance.
Trigger Automated Actions
MiConnect executes automation workflows in real time — loading programs, transferring data, guiding operators, or controlling equipment automatically.
Connect Machines, Devices, and Factory Systems
Manufacturing environments can be complex — with multiple machine types, integrated automation devices, and a variety of software systems operating together.
MiConnect removes the complexity as a manufacturing integration platform, enabling communication and control between:
- CNC machines and controls
- robots and automation cells
- gauging and inspection systems
- RFID and barcode systems
- PLCs and industrial I/O
- MES, ERP, and databases
Every production process is unique, and MiConnect is a flexible platform that can scale with your operations. MiConnect has an extensive library of prebuilt integrations, which eliminates the need for custom interface development and allows manufacturers to connect systems quickly and efficiently.
Solve Small Manufacturing Problems — or Automate Entire Systems
Not every automation project needs to be complex. Many of the most valuable improvements come from solving simple, error-prone processes. MiConnect supports both. MiConnect can be configured for a single task or an entire factory environment, giving manufacturers complete flexibility.
⚙️ Simple Automation Applications
- Scan a barcode to automatically load CNC programs
- Transfer a single piece of production data between systems
- Verify tooling or setup conditions
- Trigger alerts or operator prompts
⚙️ Advanced Automation Systems
- End-to-end automated production cells
- Real-time machine-to-machine data interchange
- Supervisory control and automation orchestration
- Unattended, lights-out manufacturing operations
Flexible and Fully Customizable
MiConnect applications are fully adaptable to each manufacturing environment, supporting everything from simple automation tasks to complex, multi-system workflows. The platform can operate in fully automated modes or incorporate manual inputs where required, providing flexibility without sacrificing control.
By combining device integration, visual logic design, and real-time execution, MiConnect enables manufacturers to build automation applications faster, reduce errors, and maintain consistent, reliable production processes.
Prebuilt Device Integrations Accelerate Automation
MiConnect simplifies connecting equipment and systems through a library of prebuilt manufacturing device drivers and communication protocols.
These integrations allow manufacturers to: rapidly connect new equipment, automate communication between systems, eliminate manual data transfer, and standardize automation across the shop floor. The result is faster deployment and reduced engineering effort. The growing inventory of pre-built device plugins include:
Guide, Validate, and Monitor with Custom User Screens
The MiConnect "run time" user interface delivers customizable screens that support real-time operation and interaction on the shop floor. With message screens, status displays, and user prompts, MiConnect provides the flexibility to guide operators through workflows, capture critical inputs, and display real-time process information. These interfaces ensure consistent execution, improve visibility, and enable reliable automation — whether processes are fully automated or operator-driven.
MESSAGE SCREENS
Message screens can be used to display any essential notifications or alerts to inform the user of important process steps, confirmations, or errors during the process.
STATUS SCREENS
Status screens offer a real-time overview of the system’s operational status, allowing the user to monitor performance, activity levels, and any ongoing processes at a glance.
USER PROMPTS
These interactive screens guide the operator by requesting input or confirmation to proceed with specific actions, ensuring controlled and accurate operation within the manufacturing process.
How Can We Apply MiConnect Technology to Your Operations?
Automation Cell Orchestration
Coordinate and control device communication between CNC machines, robots and machine tending integration, and auxiliary equipment — ensuring synchronized, efficient operation across the manufacturing environment.
Connected Input Automation
Use RFID, barcode, files, and network inputs to trigger workflows, automatically load part programs, input job information, parse data, and initiate automation processes.
Data Bridge and Interchange
Seamlessly exchange and act on production data between CNC machines, robots, PLCs, sensors, and manufacturing systems such as MES, ERP, and databases. Reads and writes any system parameters, variables, offsets, and PLC registers.
User Authentication and Access Control
Control machine and system access using RFID badges or credentials, enforce training requirements, and ensure only qualified personnel perform specific operations.
Sensor-Driven Automation
Monitor real-time conditions and trigger automated actions based on machine states, sensor inputs, and production events to maintain process control and prevent issues.
Operator Guidance and Error-Proofing
Guide operators through step-by-step workflows, verify task completion, and enforce process consistency, to eliminate error and increase productivity.
Fully Customizable — Adapt at Any Time
Manufacturing processes are constantly evolving, requiring automation systems that can adapt just as quickly. MiConnect was designed with a flexible architecture that allows automation workflows to be modified, expanded, or reconfigured at any time — without the need for reprogramming.
This enables manufacturers to seamlessly adapt to new parts and processes, integrate additional machines or devices, update workflows without disrupting production, and scale automation across the entire facility. Unlike traditional automation systems that can become rigid over time, MiConnect evolves alongside your production environment, supporting continuous improvement and long-term flexibility.
- Eliminates data entry and process errors
- Automates communication to the CNC control
- Reduces setup time and streamlines process execution
- Controls discrete devices via digital I/O
- Creates user defined checks and balances
- Minimizes operator decision making and adds system securities
- Provides consistent and accurate control of your manufacturing processes
Video: MiConnect Technology powers all inter-device communication in this fully automated CNC manufacturing production cell.
Let Us Design Your Custom MiConnect Application
Caron Engineering has a long history of integrating technology across all CNC machine and control types. Leveraging advanced interfacing and control capabilities, MiConnect provides a flexible foundation for customized automation solutions tailored to each customer’s environment.
A low-code platform allows users to build automation workflows using visual tools instead of traditional programming, reducing development time and complexity.