This paper reports on a systems approach to the problem of tackling low N.C. machine utilization. The approach was developed following a study in a company of the productive efficiency of a group of N.C. machines which were found to have poor levels of utilization. The many reasons for the low utilization were analysed. To improve the utilization of the machines in a way which was likely to lead to a lasting improvement, methods of improving utilization were developed which looked at the machines within the engineering and management systems in which they operated.