New Manufacturing Technology Connects GF Machining Solution Products to ERP and MES Systems
Press Release Summary:
- Help manufacturers reduce machine downtime, monitor the performance of their machines and workshops as well as automate processes
- OPC UA protocol provides a common communication language across GF Machining Solutions’ products, technologies and services
- Live data related to machine key performance indicators are available on rConnect Dashboard following collection
Original Press Release:
GF Machining Solutions’ Digital Products Put Customers on The Road to The Industry 4.0 Vision of Intelligent, High-Performing Manufacturing
Lincolnshire, Ill., September 6, 2019 – GF Machining Solutions will showcase its intelligent, high-performing and predictive manufacturing technology for Industry 4.0 at EMO Hannover 2019, held September 16-21 at the Hannover Fairgrounds in Hannover, Germany, Stand B26 in Hall 27.
Under the customer-centric theme, “Connected to your needs,” GF Machining Solutions’ EMO exhibit will spotlight digital solutions that advance users’ Industry 4.0 readiness, including the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Unified Architecture (UA) protocol and the digital services platform, rConnect. These solutions will help manufacturers reduce machine downtime, monitor the performance of their machines and workshops, automate their processes, ensure manufacturing process compliance, and connect their GF Machining Solutions machines to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
OPC UA is where it starts
In a dedicated Industry 4.0 corner of GF Machining Solutions’ 1,156-square-meter booth, EMO visitors will discover firsthand how these software products can drive their manufacturing success, both today and into the future. The Open Platform Communications (OPC) Unified Architecture (UA) protocol is installed on all of the GF Division’s machines and aligns with the company’s vision of an “open future” for manufacturing.
The protocol also provides a common communication language across GF Machining Solutions’ products, technologies and services. Version one of the OPC UA collects a vast range of comparable data and, with the new rConnect Dashboard, makes it accessible on the shop floor and remotely from users’ offices. OPC UA also allows users to connect GF Machining Solutions products to their existing ERP and MES systems. EMO visitors will have the opportunity to experience both scenarios in the Industry 4.0 corner.
Success-enabling rConnect Dashboard
Live data related to a variety of machine key performance indicators (KPIs) are available on the rConnect Dashboard following collection. All of this data is comparable and structurally aligned with ISO 22400’s framework for defining, composing, exchanging and using KPIs in manufacturing. Machine status, availability, efficiency and productivity are all tracked, enabling users to easily monitor machine activity and receive alerts about issues such as deviations from normal productivity. This functionality allows manufacturers to better analyze and fine-tune their processes and ensure on-time delivery to their own customers. And thanks to the rConnect digital services platform, including rConnect Cockpit connectivity and rConnect Live Remote Assistance, expert online support is always accessible.
The OPC UA and innovative new rConnect Dashboard represent two more ways GF Machining Solutions’ innovations enable the Industry 4.0 vision of intelligent, high-performing and predictive manufacturing for customers today and well into the future.
About GF Machining Solutions
GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machine tools, diverse technical solutions and services to manufacturers of precision molds and tooling and of tight-tolerance, precision-machined components. The key segments we serve include the aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics industries. Our extensive portfolio ranges from Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) solutions, three- and five-axis Milling machines and Spindles, Laser texturing machines, Additive Manufacturing and machines for Laser micromachining to solutions for Tooling, Automation, Software and Digitalization—all backed by unrivaled Customer Services and support. GF Machining Solutions is a globally acting Division of the Georg Fischer Group (Switzerland) and maintains a presence at 50 locations worldwide. Its 3,394 employees generated sales of CHF 1,066 million in 2018. More information can be found at www.gfms.com.
