Abstract: A system is provided for identifying no-punch zones corresponding to positions of work clamps on a carriage holding a workpiece to be positioned for tools of a punch press. The system provides a method for storing geometric information with respect to the clamp as well as specifications for the tools on a holder, such as a turret, of the punch press. The edge of each of the clamps is sensed and stored in a control unit which can, therefore, determine boundaries of each of the clamps based on the stored geometric configuration information of the clamp. No-punch zones of the clamps may be determined based on the geometry of the particular tool of the turret and the geometry and the positions of the clamps. As a result, the punch press may be inhibited from operating within the no-punch zones or, in the alternative, the clamp or clamps may be repositioned from the no-punch zone of the clamp for subsequent operation of the punch press.