Find out how you can digitize your production
with solutions from MPDV!
Digitalization of Production: Smart Factory for Beginners
Getting started with the Smart Factory
You might know it from your working routine in production: machines could be utilized better, machine assignment could be planned better, and delivery dates could be predicted better – at least in theory. But first of all you need smart and networked systems that provide reliable data. Only then can you exchange information digitally to optimize your production.
For this to work out well in future, we have developed a strategy that will help you on your way to the Smart Factory. Let's take the first steps towards the Smart Factory together. The earlier, the better – that's the motto for getting started with the digitalization of your production! So act now and set the first milestone on your way to the Smart Factory with manufacturing IT from MPDV.
Starting with the Smart Factory and using innovative manufacturing IT involves the following:
- Standardize data handling: data of machines, employees, or sites are bundled and analyzed. This leads to more transparent production processes allowing you to produce faster and more flexibly.
- Improve planning & control: Production orders are distributed perfectly among your available machines and production units. You can easily keep track of everything as all processes are networked.
- Check processes: Once you monitor all your data, you can convert it into beneficial information. With this information at hand, processes can be improved and are easier to control.
- Optimize quality, costs, and time: Transparent and controllable processes are the basis for reducing waste and scrap, analyzing failures quickly and precisely, and increasing quality. All this improves effectiveness, reduces costs, and increases the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
White paper „Smart Factory for Beginners – Four-Stage Model“
Our free white paper dealing with the Digitalization of production provides a pragmatic approach for your way to the Smart Factory and outlines how manufacturing IT supports the digitalization process. Apart from theoretical contexts, the white paper also illustrates hands-on examples.
Success stories about digitalization
Read our success stories to learn how other MPDV customers have managed their first steps towards the Smart Factory. MARKES GmbH & Co. KG and WEMAS Absperrtechnik GmbH, to mention only a few, report from their experiences gained during the digitalization process.
FAQs on the digitalization of production
Digitalization stands for the conversion of analog information and processes into digital formats. When it comes to manufacturing and the generic term Industry 4.0, digitalization refers to the all-encompassing networking and automation of production steps. In this context, we also speak of digital transformation.
Example: Employees working in a Smart Factory enter data in digital checklists instead of using paper. This makes processes more transparent and easier to understand.
You can collect data digitally if you use suitable software like a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Data of a production order, for example, is no longer available on paper but stored digitally in the software. If all data is collected systematically, you can evaluate it, which in turn enables further detailed analyses.
Manufacturing IT collects, stores, processes, and analyzes any kind of production data and generates transparency in the manufacturing environment providing information on order statuses, machine utilization, lead times, and downtimes, etc. A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) like HYDRA X by MPDV collects and analyzes data. An Advanced Planning and Scheduling System (APS) such as FEDRA by MPDV supports production planning and control. Artificial intelligence (AI) can optimize planning and analysis processes.
State-of-the-art manufacturing IT by MPDV can be expanded as required, giving you maximum flexibility when it comes to digitalization. You can start, for example, by digitalizing only one part of your production. You can wait to roll out the installation to your entire production and further sites until everything meets your requirements and runs smoothly. Even if new requirements arise, MPDV's manufacturing IT is up to the task with adequate tools. Thanks to the so-called Manufacturing apps (mApps), you can constantly extend the software. This enables you to master all challenges in production and internal logistics.
As the transformation to the Smart Factory takes place step by step, running production is virtually not affected. Throughout the entire project, you will be in close coordination with an experienced team of consultants, project managers, and implementation engineers.
Would you like more information? We are happy to help.
Just fill in the form below. We will take care of your inquiry promptly.