The laser system features an integrated cutting data base with parameters for many common material and different material-cut conditions. The machine operator can make modifications to the cutting data base at the control panel. The cutting data base management software can list all of the available material files or can requested to display only those files that meet certain criteria. For example, the system can display only those materials of a particular type or thickness that fit in a process group. Using the cutting data base management system, the operator can select closest existing cutting data file as a starting point for next cutting applications or different applications (precision, standard, high speed, etching, etc.)