Conventional Numerical Controllers (NC) use a process defined by instructions typed on cards that are read sequentially by an external card reader. However, the process is not very flexible—when the manufacturing process changes, an entirely new set of cards must be created. The control process can be input from tapes, but since tape readers are slow, some manual operations are required. This kind of setup is not suitable when multiple NCs operate concurrently.

To create a fully automated system, the modern NC is equipped with a computer communication interface (normally a serial port) that makes Computerized Numerical Controllers (CNCs) easy to use. A PC running Windows 2000, and with a MOXA C320Turbo/PCI installed can be used. Not only can the C320Turbo/PCI control up to 32 CNC machines at the same time via a high-speed communication interface (460.8 Kbps max.), it can also transmit large amounts of CAD/CAM data to 32 CNC machines simultaneously. C320Turbo/PCI is expandable, allowing external serial modules to be located as far as 100 m from the host.