Upgrade for maximum efficiency: Optimize operating processes sustainably with Netstal Smart Operation

In high-performance applications, work is often done to shorten cycle times in order to be able to produce even more. However, these gains are often eaten up by small efficiency losses. Some downtimes are either not taken into account or are regarded as unavoidable. This applies in particular to waiting times that are due to specific operating processes. For example, when production has to be paused for a routine task and can then only be restarted by specially trained personnel. With Smart Operation, Netstal offers a practical solution with which manufacturing companies can reliably
eliminate such idle times and significantly increase productivity as a result.

Sales increase in the six-figure range

A real customer example shows the potential of Smart Operation: In the production of dental components, the injection molding machines have to be stopped at regular intervals in order to lubricate the molds. Because the plant maintenance staff were unable to operate the injection molding machine, an application technician had to be called in each time. As this specialist looks after several systems at the same time, there were many waiting times of just a few minutes. Over the course of the year, this added up to a considerable period of non-production.

With Smart Operation, Netstal has offered this customer an optimal solution. By anchoring specific production processes in the machine control system, a guided operation was created that can also be carried out by maintenance personnel without errors after brief instruction. Today, this customer has equipped several machines with Smart Operation and reports a six-figure increase in turnover. This is solely due to the elimination of the many short waiting times. Today, the plant maintenance staff independently access the machine, stop production, lubricate the tool and then return the entire production cell, including the removal robot and packaging system, to production status.

Intuitive and safe operating concept eliminates unproductive idle times

The Smart Operation concept is based on anchoring operation-relevant scenarios and processes in the control system and changing the operating status at the touch of a button. A total of four of the so-called "Smart Buttons" are available. A color code on the main screen clearly indicates which buttons can be used to continue. The relevant buttons light up in the corresponding colors. For example, red for "Stop cycle mode" or green for "Start cycle mode". If certain work steps are also required, such as ejecting the injection unit, this is displayed as an instruction. The execution must be confirmed before the next step can be continued. The principle is as intuitive as operating a coffee machine that
indicates when the coffee grounds container needs to be emptied or a descaling program needs to be carried out.
Another application scenario is the rapid rectification of faults during the night shift. With Smart Operation, most faults can be rectified immediately by shift personnel. There is no need to wait until an application engineer arrives.

Maximizing production efficiency

Users of Smart Operation benefit in several ways: the implementation of clearly defined processes protects capital goods from improper operation and reduces the risk of operating errors. Repair costs are reduced and system availability increases. Situational user interactions drastically reduce the amount of training required. Instructions printed on paper are no longer necessary. Smart Operation significantly increases overall production efficiency.

Netstal always recommends adding Smart Operation to new machines. Smart Operation can be retrofitted to existing machines with Axos 7 and Axos 8 at any time. On request, Netstal will be happy to carry out a preliminary efficiency consultation for optimum operating processes with Smart Operation and then prepare a customized retrofit offer.

Retrofit higher efficiency: Guided operation with Smart Operation supports the optimization of operating processes and sustainably increases production efficiency.
Further information and pictures in print quality can be found at: www.netstal.com