Making manufacturing environments more future-proof with the right tools 

"The manufacturing industry needs to produce in an increasingly agile manner with fewer technicians. As a result, market parties are looking for more expertise. We want to accommodate them and bring them along in new developments. We do this not only with our products, but also with customized training on topics such as modular automation, robotics-as-a-service, servitization and the smarter use of data," says Marc Vissers, Manager Marketing & Communication EMEA West at automation specialist Lenze. The goal? Making manufacturing environments future-proof.

"Many companies in the industry are seeing profit margins in machine production shrink. The market exerts pressure to reduce cost prices. It is necessary to organize processes smarter, better, faster and/or more efficiently. In doing so, opportunities to replace components or parts with cheaper alternatives are regularly being explored. The cost of motion control and automation is approximately only about 25-30% of the total machine cost. If you want to save these costs on this component, it still doesn't put that much of a dent in the overall cost picture. That is why we are looking - together with machine builders - for ways to improve the overall costs, especially in terms of engineering and resources," Vissers explains.

Need varies

Lenze doesn't just do this with products. "We obviously look at the problem set of companies first. Every company is structured differently, has a different infrastructure and organizational 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 organization differently or by 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 and robotics-as-a-service

Vissers elaborates on a number of training courses. "For example, we offer customized workshops that zoom in on the drive technology aspect. How can companies be smarter about what they need? We also organize 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 further address today's demands for machines toward visualization, IIoT 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 anything is physically built. Through modulation and the technology within Lenze FAST, we are able to quickly further optimize and future-proof robots from renowned robot manufacturers in production environments. In this, we can guide customers with workshops and training."

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 optimization opportunities exist, allowing you to develop better machines and thus reduce cost price. On the other hand, data provides opportunities to create new business models such as pay-per-use constructions or servitization."

Accessible

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 necessary. It is an accessible tool for integrating own or third-party apps, linking them to assets or systems and keeping them up-to-date throughout the lifecycle. The platform thus simplifies the implementation of digital services at the machine and plant level. It enables machine builders to produce machines that enable them to differentiate themselves from their competitors thanks to software. In how to realize this, we are of course happy to guide them. How far a company stands determines how we will fill in the training."