Future-proofing production environments with the right tools

(See Lenze at MachineBuilding.Live, 2 October 2024, on stand 52)

"We do this not only with our products, but also with customised training on topics such as Modular Automation, Robotics-as-a-Service, Servitisation and the smarter use of data."

The aim is to future-proof manufacturing environments. "Many companies in the industry are seeing profit margins narrowing in machine production. The market is exerting pressure to reduce cost prices. It is necessary to organise processes smarter, better, faster and/or more efficiently. This involves regularly looking at opportunities to replace components or parts with cheaper alternatives.

The cost of motion control and automation is only about 25-30% of total machine costs. Savings in this area do not translate into significant savings when compared to the total cost of ownership. That is why we are looking - together with machine builders - for ways to improve the integral costs, especially on engineering and resources," Vissers explains.

Varying needs

Lenze does not only do this with products. "We naturally look at companies' problem definition first. Every company is different, has a different infrastructure and organisational structure and uses technology from one or more brands.

"By talking to machine builders, we determine together what is most suitable for the company and where opportunities for improvement lie, for example by setting up the organisation differently or using and deploying the generated data differently. Depending on the machine builder's needs and goals, we offer solutions with workshops and training courses that can add value."

Modular automation

Vissers elaborates on a number of training courses. "For example, we run bespoke workshops that zoom in on the drive technology aspect. How can companies be smarter about what they need? We also organise workshops to better position yourself as a company, with modular automation or robotics-as-a-service, for example."

Within the Lenze FAST software platform, it is very easy to develop and structure a modular machine control system. "In the concept phase, the FAST software architecture helps companies come up with their own robust and extensible solutions that even better address today's requirements for machines towards visualisation, lloT and cloud.

"In addition, we are able to facilitate better commissioning through digital twinning. This leads to better time-to-market as companies can make changes faster before something is physically built.

"Through modulation and the technology within Lenze FAST, we are able to quickly further optimise and future-proof robots from renowned robot manufacturers in production environments. In this, we can guide customers with workshops and training courses."

Smart data handling

Finally, Lenze offers workshops related to the smart(er) use of data. "If you use data in the right way, on the one hand you get more insight into how machines function and where optimisation opportunities exist, allowing you to develop better machines and thus reduce cost price. On the other hand, data offers opportunities to create new business models such as pay-per-use constructions or servitisation."

Lenze's Nupano platform, among others, can play an important role in this. "It is a platform with simple operation where we use open IT architectures and technologies. As a result, prior knowledge of information technology is not required. It is an accessible tool to integrate own or third-party apps, link them to assets or systems and keep them up-to-date throughout the lifecycle.

"The platform thus simplifies the implementation of digital services at machine and plant level. It enables machine builders to produce machines that enable them to differentiate themselves from their competitors thanks to software. The extent of a company's advancement determines the structure of the training provided by Lenze.