How We Work With You — Start to Finish
Every project runs through CritLink, our client portal. From the first estimate to final closeout, you have full visibility into your project — no guesswork, no chasing updates.
Three Phases, Total Transparency
Scope & Estimate
It starts with a conversation. We get on a call, learn about your parts, your machines, and what you're trying to achieve. From there, we build a detailed estimate broken down by phase — off-site programming, on-site setup, travel — so you know exactly where every hour goes.
The estimate lands in your CritLink portal with a full scope checklist showing what we handle and what we need from you. Review it on your own time, ask questions through the built-in chat, and approve when you're ready. Nothing starts until you say go.
What you'll see in CritLink:
- ✓Itemized hours by phase (off-site, on-site, travel)
- ✓Scope of work checklist with ZC / customer responsibilities
- ✓Hard purchase budget for tooling and fixtures
- ✓One-click approval to kick off the project
Track & Collaborate
Once you approve, your project goes live and your CritLink portal becomes your window into everything. You'll see each phase laid out with tasks, deadlines, and who's working on what — updated as work happens, not after the fact.
Need to share a file? Upload it directly. Have a question about a setup? Drop a message in the project chat and get a response from the actual engineer working on it. When we hit a milestone or need your sign-off on something, you'll get a notification — no email chains, no wondering where things stand.
What you can do during the project:
- ✓Track progress by phase — off-site programming, on-site setup
- ✓Chat directly with your assigned ZC team
- ✓Upload and download project files
- ✓Review and sign contracts and documents
- ✓Approve pre-flight checklists before on-site work begins
Deliver & Close Out
When the work is complete, we walk through a formal closeout. You'll review the final deliverables, confirm everything meets your requirements, and sign off — all inside CritLink. If you purchased a retainer block, any unused hours stay in your account for future projects.
We bill in two phases, both upfront. Your off-site invoice is issued when the project kicks off — covering CAM programming, fixture design, and all remote preparation work. When you're ready for us to come on-site, the second invoice is issued before travel. You control the on-site schedule.
Pay online with Stripe or request alternative payment terms. Once closed, you'll always have access to your project history — files, conversations, time logs, and documentation.
How billing works:
- 1.Off-site invoice at project start — work begins on payment
- 2.On-site invoice before travel — you set the timing
- ✓One-click online payment via Stripe
- ✓Unused retainer hours rolled forward for your next project
- ✓Full project archive — files, chat history, time logs
Commitment-free Estimate
Not ready to commit? No problem. We'll put together a detailed estimate in CritLink outlining scope, timeline, and cost — at no obligation. Review it on your own time and decide when you're ready.
Request an EstimateChoose the Right Block for Your Project
All hours are prepaid to guarantee your project gets priority scheduling from day one. No surprises, no delays — just dedicated time for your production goals.
Talk through your project and find the right fit before you commit.
Many thanks to Chris Zappettini for all the engineering, programming and fixturing. A true professional from start to finish with a great team!
Lynn Gomez
VP of Production, RIA-USA
Seamless CNC production, hand delivered
95%
Clients improved part quality and reduced cycle times
100+
Machinists trained across multiple CAM platforms