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Networked machine park for a metal system solutions provider

Networked machine park for a metal system solutions provider

Through consulting and the implementation of software systems by GFT experts, our client was able to optimise his shopfloor through new levels of transparency.

React flexible to changing demands of customers through a well-managed shopfloor that provides total transparency.

Choosing the right software solution after analysing the processes by experienced consultants enables an increase of efficiency that leads to productivity enhancement – saving time and money on the long run.

Hand holding a smartphone displaying data analytics in a modern industrial setting, representing a networked machine park. — Discover how GFT enhances operations for a metal system solutions provider through a networked machine park. This image depicts a smartphone displaying real-time data analytics, highlighting the integration of advanced technology in industrial environments for improved efficiency and performance.

Productivity enhancement

Reduction in stocks

Digitised production processes

Optimised reliability of deliveries through transparency

Improved shopfloor management

Data can be viewed on dashboards in real time

Challenge

Lack of transparency and flexibility; capacity bottlenecks in production

Full order books and machines running at full capacity: sounds like the best-case scenario if you're a medium-sized company, especially in the highly competitive metal processing industry.

But customer needs have shifted significantly in recent years. These days clients require small batches from flexible, quick-turnaround suppliers who are not just reliable, but also offer the right production options – lots of them. As a result, our client – a SME already offering a heterogeneous selection of specialised metal solutions – found itself increasingly challenged by the new demands of its customers.

And its shopfloor was proving increasingly difficult to manage. It was time to address some familiar issues in its sector:

A general lack of transparency regarding machine statuses and capacities
Unknown causes of errors on the shopfloor, resulting in delays and disruptions
Large volumes of finished and semi-finished components occupying time and resources

Engagement

Digitalisation of production processes

Implementing change in parallel to everyday operations would mean carefully considering all options. It was important to understand not only the changes that had been attempted in the past, but also potential sure-fire fixes now – plus any future methods for digitalising processes across the board.

Bottom line, the new setup need to enhance transparency and efficiency, but not by reinventing the wheel, replacing all machines or alienating staff.

The approach adopted by GFT first focussed on a detailed analysis of the current situation and best-fit digitalisation scenarios.

A programme of measures was assessed and agreed: new and retrofit solutions that would not only facilitate short-term and long-term implementation, but also pave the way for a continuous improvement programme and gain the buy-in of employees.

This included:

Introduction of a system for connecting machines independent of manufacturer – both machines with digital interface as well as retrofit solutions for old machines
Connection of 10 machines to an open IoT platform and providing these to all relevant systems
State-of-the-art dashboards to visualise machine data across different end devices

Benefit

Long-term productivity enhancements and transparency on the shopfloor

It's highly satisfying for an already successful SME when a change programme prepares its business for emerging trends and customer demands.

As the company's operators scanned their dashboards and watched the new systems ramp up, they could not only clearly monitor a sharp rise in productivity, but they also witnessed a sea-change in system reliability and process efficiency:

20% more orders delivered 'right first time on time'
43% reduction in throughput times versus the previous setup
50% fewer parts in the warehouse, or semi-finished components waiting for processing

Through consulting and the implementation of software systems by GFT experts, our client was able to optimize his shopfloor through new levels of transparency.

It soon watched customer satisfaction improve and was the first to realise how improving capacities and productivity also makes a difference on other fronts:

The smiles had come back onto the faces of shopfloor staff
Less time was being wasted – staff could now use shopfloor and warehouse space more efficiently
Enhancements could be monitored anywhere, in real time, on various devices

In a nutshell, key routine processes were now working again. And the benefits in the long term were also obvious: the new setup saved money.