How to choose automation supplier? (2)
Damian Zabicki / Bartlomiej Juszczyk, 2021.08.18, Automation
A good supplier of automation systems should be based on an individual approach to solutions in the field of automation of production and assembly processes.
In this way, innovative and dedicated applications are created, which are closely tailored to specific process needs.
Research & development capabilities
Hence, pioneering and prototype concepts should be created in separate departments that take care of the development of new applications, taking into account the latest market solutions and technological trends. The actual problems occurring in factories must be taken into account, taking into account the specificity of the production technology as well as the physical properties of the components and the finished product. A competent supplier of an automation system should have human and technical resources to design and build prototype machines. Hence, it is important that the concepts of automating complex production processes can be translated not only into projects, but also innovative, special, prototype and optimized machines that can be put into operation with a guarantee of stability and failure-free operation.
Experience in automated processes
Experience in automated processes is very important for the proper design of a station, station or production line. Knowledge of production processes translates into the optimal selection of solutions, taking into account specific requirements. It is also important to be able to transfer competences in the field of automation of specific processes from one industry to another.
Genuine traceability systems and Smart Factory software
In this regard, it is worth focusing on a well suited solution, which is created from scratch by a single manufacturer. As a result, you get a system strictly adapted to the needs of a specific application. In addition, proprietary systems are constantly developed in terms of the latest technological trends.(→ ELPLC Smart Factory)
ELPLC S.A. has its own R&D department, responsible for creating concepts that are closely tailored to specific technological needs. It focuses on close cooperation with suppliers of process solutions. At the same time, numerous research and development works are carried out (for example in the field of the Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 philosophy), in cooperation with factory representatives (managers and process engineers), as well as research and research centers ; universities. All this translates into professional advice and the creation of comprehensive solutions, and their adaptation to the requirements and needs of customers.
In addition, in cooperation with other departments of ELPLC S.A.: Construction, Logistics, Production, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Comissioning, Maintenance, Retrofitting, it is possible to create even the most complex and comprehensive solutions. As a result, the needs of designing the concept and project implementation may involve engineers, designers (approx. 18% of resources in the employment structure), programmers (approx. 13% of resources in the employment structure), an assembly team and commissioning (approx. 30% of resources in the employment structure) and the mechanical processing department (approx. 23% of resources in the employment structure). All these competences must be combined with excellent communication, which is guaranteed by a Project Manager dedicated to each client.
From a number of competences of ELPLC S.A. it is worth paying attention, among others for extensive experience in automating precision assemblies and welding operations for very different materials, which are very common in industrial assembly processes. Thanks to such competences, it is possible to perfectly match even the most complex components to the welding operation. The ability to design a stand-alone or modular solution, or the design of built-in test and additional operations & ndash; assembly, closing, passivation, testing, quality control or packaging . It is worth emphasizing that the company ELPLC S.A. as the first in Europe, in its application, it used devices for resistance welding with impulse control .
Machines manufactured by ELPLC S.A. can be equipped with dedicated traceability system , ensuring monitoring of the technological process with full data analysis. The application is compatible with all process controllers.
It is worth paying attention to the possibility of connecting with various types of screens, web browsers and mobile devices. In addition, a key role is played by Smart Factory systems , being a digital reflection of the process flow in accordance with the assumptions of Industry 4.0 .
In turn, the Smart Factory system by ELPLC S.A. (ELPLC Smart Factory), based on four functional modules - data collection, line status preview, diagnostics and analyzes: historical, efficiency, line failure rate. This system is designed from scratch by an engineer at ELPLC S.A., it is a solution created by an engineer for engineers, created by a machine manufacturer, and therefore it can be strictly adapted to specific needs.