An optional module can be used to visualize data from analyses

Optimize business processes thanks to digitization and analysis of production data

Customers have high demands for quality and delivery times. Manufacturing companies must therefore invest in the efficiency and productivity of their production processes. Extensive automation and digitization of business processes can help in this regard. With eluCloud, elumatec and elusoft offer a joint industry 4.0 solution for the digitization and analysis of machine and production data. The analysis of this data helps to optimize production processes and plan future maintenance. As a result, costs can be reduced and machine availability and productivity increased. 

"eluCloud records all data related to machines, parts and production, allowing one to access information from any location in real-time of what is currently happening in production and what has happened beforehand. The real-time display of machine status and calculation of machine frequency allows one to quickly identify deviations from the desired production. The data collected also helps in the structured search for and analysis of errors," says Bas Ladestein, managing director of elumatec Benelux BV. 

"eluCloud also provides an overview of current orders and detailed information on all produced parts. Based on this information, production data can be precisely analyzed and individually adjusted."

Different modules

eluCloud includes several modules and an App, which allows the functions to be accessed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. eluCloud-Monitor forms the cornerstone of the software and is used to record data from the local machine. The modern controls of elumatec machines can measure in real time data such as the number of pieces produced, error messages and detailed time protocols relating to tool usage or spindle run times. This precise time information helps, for example, to recognize required maintenance intervals in time and to plan them better. eluCloud-Server stores all data for use in evaluations. This server was specially developed for integration into an existing IT infrastructure.

"Those who want to make detailed evaluations of, for example, production utilization, job processing progress, job processing times, evaluation of individual machines, evaluations of the entire machine park or processing times of parts, etc., should invest in the additional eluCloud-Analytics module. Thanks to the analyzed information and the user-friendly filter options, this module also supports, for example, the optimization of production times. By measuring and analyzing, among other things, non-productive times such as clamping adjustments and tool or position changes, one can optimize production technology and significantly reduce the production time," explains managing director. 

"In addition, this module helps with fault finding and allows them to determine the required production time for a piece of work or an entire job, allowing one to more accurately calculate future jobs."

eluCloud API

eluCloud is a useful tool in automating and digitizing production processes, opening doors to Industrie 4.0 and the Smart Factory. "A core feature of any Industrie 4.0 solution is seamless communication between individual machines or between machine and software, also summarized as the 'Internet of Things,'" Bas Ladestein concludes. "The eluCloud API interface provides that communication between individual machines or between machine and software. The term 'API' refers to an interface with which the eluCloud solution can be integrated into existing solutions and connected to other software solutions. In this way, the data can also be integrated into calculation programs and ERP or MES systems."  

1000 times SBZ 122
Late last year, the thousandth SBZ 122, the 5-axis variant of the 122 model series, was shipped from production in Lomersheim to Feal in Bosnia-Herzegovina, one of the most modern aluminum extrusion plants in Europe.

This customer has relied on elumatec's quality and service for some 20 years and, in addition to this new 122/75, has the SBZ 150, SBZ 151, SBZ 131 and SBZ 616 profile machining centers, among others. The compact SBZ 122 impresses with intelligent control technology, powerful servomotors and a machine bed designed for high travel speeds. The machining area of 300 x 230 mm on the Y and Z axes makes this system unique in its class.