In manufacturing, every minute of downtime isn’t just a delay, it’s money down the drain. Whether it’s caused by skill gaps, troubleshooting delays, or production errors, unplanned stoppages can cost manufacturers thousands of dollars per hour.  At least 82% of businesses face unplanned downtime, resulting in significant financial losses.  

The solution? On-demand training that empowers your workforce to reduce downtime in manufacturing, resolve issues instantly, upskill continuously, and reduce reliance on external support. Pinnacle Series, offered through SolidCAD, provides a self-service learning platform designed to help manufacturers eliminate downtime and keep production moving. 

How Pinnacle Series Prevents Downtime in Manufacturing 

1. Fast-Track Training for New Employees 

Training delays are a major contributor to production slowdowns. New employees often spend weeks shadowing others before they can operate independently. Traditional training is often inconsistent, which impacts efficiency. 

With Pinnacle Series, new hires gain immediate access to on-demand training modules for essential Autodesk manufacturing tools such as Inventor and Vault—allowing them to get up to speed faster. 

 
Example: Instead of waiting for a scheduled walkthrough, a new designer can start exploring Inventor’s part modelling environment on their first day, building confidence with interactive modules on constraints, parametric design, and assemblies. 

2. Faster Troubleshooting & Reduced IT Dependence 

When users face software challenges, operations stall as they wait for IT or attempt to troubleshoot on their own. Pinnacle Series gives them direct access to a searchable knowledge base filled with tutorials, quick guides, and tailored workflows. 

Example:  If a user encounters a file version conflict or check-in error in Vault, they can reference a quick guide within Pinnacle Series to resolve the issue immediately—keeping projects moving without escalating to support. 

3. Cross-Training to Prevent Production Bottlenecks 

Over-reliance on a few key experts creates risk. If those individuals are unavailable, productivity dips. Pinnacle Series makes cross-training across platforms like Vault, ensuring that knowledge is shared and scalable. 

Example:  A team member unfamiliar with Vault can quickly access tutorials on file lifecycle states and revision control, stepping in to manage data workflows seamlessly while the Vault expert is unavailable. 

4. Minimizing Errors & Reducing Scrap Rates 

Misunderstanding design intent or incorrectly managing revisions in Vault can lead to costly errors. With on-demand access to best practices and refresher content, teams can avoid mistakes before they happen. 

Example: Before submitting a design package, a draft reviews a Vault training module on release management to ensure the correct versions are included, preventing rework due to outdated files. 

5. Scalable Learning Without Halting Production 

Classroom-style training can slow production and create scheduling conflicts. Pinnacle Series enables staff to learn during slower periods, without stepping away from their daily responsibilities. 

Example: A mechanical designer explores advanced sheet metal workflows in Inventor between project cycles—enhancing their capabilities without affecting project timelines. 

The ROI of On-Demand Training in Manufacturing 

By investing in Pinnacle Series, manufacturers gain: 

✔ Faster, more consistent onboarding with Inventor and Vault 

✔ On-the-spot troubleshooting without escalating to IT 
✔ Fewer mistakes through access to up-to-date process training 

✔ Agile, cross-functional teams that can step into new roles as needed 

This continuous learning model helps minimize downtime, improve agility, and empower your workforce—while keeping engagement and productivity high. 

Proactively Reduce Downtime with Pinnacle Series 

Downtime doesn’t have to be the cost of doing business. With Pinnacle Series’ on-demand platform and SolidCAD’s industry expertise, your team can access the Autodesk training they need, when they need it—to keep operations running smoothly. 

Connect with SolidCAD today to schedule your demo and see how Pinnacle Series can help you reduce downtime using Inventor, Vault, and more.