Registered, tracked - hosted!

Many are already doing it and some have not yet recognized the added value: Tracking and tracing is a valuable quality orientation for manufacturing companies, Ensuring part traceability for both plant manufacturers and operators. With the digital nameplate, the WEISS Group provides the basis for sustainable production - including localization of the rotary indexing tables in operation.

 

The question of when and where and by whom the goods are manufactured, processed, stored and transported as well as kept in operation is solved by the traceability of the components. This offers the manufacturer improved quality, reduced production costs, but also transparency in the production hall and at the same time guarantees brand consistency.

For WEISS, this traceability is important for the automotive industry, for example, since the requirements there are such that a supplier can provide information at any time about the paths taken by a rotary indexing table, for example, in terms of materials and production technology. Both downstream tracing (downward tracing) from the producer to the consumer and upstream tracing (upward tracing) from the consumer to the producer are important.

Via QR code, all device specifications and accompanying documents can be accessed digitally via smartphone. Thanks to the digital nameplate, even more services can be accessed online, be it repair service requests or spare parts procurement. This provides the machine operator with data formats in a standardized form that minimizes time and costs across manufacturers, is available worldwide, and is both up-to-date and sustainable.

 

Christian Göltl, Product Manager Controls, WEISS Group

"The digital nameplate is assigned its own identification number, to which additional information can be assigned throughout the manufacturing process. With this traceability system, various benefits can be realized, such as seamless root cause analysis, continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, and optimization of value streams and even meeting compliance requirements. Things that can be immensely cost-saving in the future - as long as you follow through with registration, too." Christian Göltl, Product Manager Controls, WEISS Group

 

Clear ability to identify each individual part
When "products keep a diary", the first focus is on their own production quality. Complete traceability characterizes production in the age of Industry 4.0, with all the steps a product goes through being precisely logged and documented. Possible sources of error are quickly identified and make reworking or even recalls less time-consuming.

Once the TC rotary indexing table has been scanned and registered in the plant, there is an automated connection between the physical world and the management shell (see Platform Industry 4.0). Identification takes place via the type plate on the front of the component and the WEISS service department then has the basis to evaluate the information and proactively come up with services. Based on serial number and location, required components can be identified and ordered more quickly. Installation aids shorten the installation time and original parts ensure the greatest possible reliability and service life.

 

Modern traceability systems are a step with great potential

On the way to the Smart Factory, modern traceability systems are a step with great potential.

 

Tracking and tracing for higher production quality
Tracking and tracing is also a tool in the service of production quality. Extracted process data from an operation is transmitted to the MES and, based on the unique assignment to the workpiece, transferred to the next workstation via OPC-UA server. In this way, the required machine settings can be aligned with the previously recorded process data.

As a system integrator of WEISS products, Gluth uses tracing as a preliminary stage of digitization. For a medical application, individual part tracing is considered a basic requirement, because determining the position of the parts after certain cycles is absolutely necessary as a plausibility check. The assignment of the part to the fixture is also important for software creation, because the shift register must be mapped in the control system. On the basis of the digital nameplate, proof of proper production is provided. It becomes interesting when production, for example with the new LS Hybrid Linear Transfer System, is so complex in its processes that part identification and its data management are to be made transparent.

 

Andreas Beckert, Team Leader After Sales, WEISS Group

"Purely from a service point of view, traceability is crucial for fast, efficient and less costly complaint handling for both sides. The path towards transparent production processes thanks to tracking and tracing is marked out by the digital nameplates, which must be used." Andreas Beckert, Team Leader After Sales, WEISS Group

 

(Re)acting quickly in production
In mechanical engineering, short planning and commissioning times prevail, which are set for system integrators like Gluth. Production downtimes or component dysfunctions are quick cost accelerators, which is why online product support via QR code can provide valuable services. In addition to assembly and commissioning instructions and customer-specific product configuration, a service model is also being considered in the WEISS Asset Management System as a ticket system with which those seeking help can submit their request to the service department, including all information on the model, controller and serial number.
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Recognizing the signs of modern production times with digital processes and also focusing on traceability are important steps for a smart factory. Technology has long since revolutionized the manufacturing process, leading to cost and resource savings. However, as Industry 4.0 continues to accelerate, companies can begin to take full advantage of the comprehensive benefits of technology-enabled manufacturing through robust traceability systems.

 

 

Under the motto What's Next? The German SPS Magazine present a series of articles in cooperation with the WEISS Group that focus on the digital transformation. Both internal and external topics are examined in depth. They follow technology- and customer-oriented possible steps of a digitization strategy and show added values for mechanical engineers or end users. Join us on this exciting journey ... your WEISS Team.

Contact Person

Christian Westenhöfer
Director Marketing & Communications
Phone +49 6281 5208 6557
christian.westenhöfer@weiss-world.com