How to Choose an Automation System Supplier? (2)
A good automation system provider should base their approach on individual solutions for automating production and assembly processes. This way, innovative and dedicated applications are created, which are closely tailored to specific process needs.
Research & Development Potential
Thus, pioneering and prototype concepts should be developed in separate departments focused on the development of new applications considering the latest market solutions and technological trends. Real problems occurring in factories must be taken into account, considering the specifics of production technology as well as the physical properties of components and the final product. A competent automation system provider should have the human and technical resources necessary for designing and building prototype machines. Therefore, it is crucial that the concepts for automating complex production processes can be translated not only into projects but also into innovative, special, prototype, and optimized machines that can be put into operation with guaranteed stability and reliability.
Experience in Automated Processes
Experience in automated processes is very important for the proper design of a workstation, station, or production line. Knowledge of production processes translates into the optimal selection of solutions considering specific requirements. It is also important to transfer automation competencies for specific processes from one industry to another.
Proprietary Traceability Systems and Smart Factory Software
In this area, it is worth opting for proprietary and custom-made solutions developed from scratch by a single manufacturer. As a result, you get a system strictly tailored to the needs of a specific application. Additionally, proprietary systems are continuously developed in line with the latest technological trends (e.g., ELPLC Smart Factory).
ELPLC S.A. has its own R&D Department responsible for creating concepts that are closely tailored to specific technological needs. The focus is on close cooperation with process solution providers. Simultaneously, numerous research and development works are carried out (e.g., in the field of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 philosophy), in collaboration with factory representatives (managers and process engineers), as well as scientific research centers and universities. All this translates into professional advice, the creation of comprehensive solutions, and their adaptation to clients’ requirements and needs.
Moreover, in cooperation with other departments of ELPLC S.A.: Construction, Supply Chain, Production, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Commissioning, Maintenance, Retrofitting, it is possible to create even the most complex and comprehensive solutions. Consequently, for designing concepts and project implementation, engineers (approx. 18% of the employment structure), programmers (approx. 13% of the employment structure), assembly and commissioning teams (approx. 30% of the employment structure), and the mechanical processing department (approx. 23% of the employment structure) can be engaged. All these competencies must be perfectly integrated through excellent communication, guaranteed by a dedicated Project Manager for each client.
Among the numerous competencies of ELPLC S.A., it is worth noting the extensive experience in automating precise assemblies and welding operations for a wide variety of materials, which is often found in industrial assembly processes. Thanks to such competencies, there is an opportunity for an ideal match for welding operations, even for the most complex components. The ability to design standalone or modular solutions, as well as integrated test solutions and additional operations (assembly, closing, passivation, testing, quality control, or packaging), plays a significant role. It is worth emphasizing that ELPLC S.A. was the first in Europe to use resistance welding devices with pulse control in its application.
The machines produced by ELPLC S.A. can be equipped with a dedicated traceability system that ensures monitoring of the technological process with full data analysis. Such an application is compatible with all process controllers. It is also worth noting the possibility of connecting with different types of screens, web browsers, and mobile devices. Moreover, Smart Factory systems, which are a digital reflection of the process flow according to the assumptions of Industry 4.0, play a key role.
The Smart Factory system by ELPLC S.A. (ELPLC Smart Factory) is based on four functional modules: data collection, line status monitoring, diagnostics, and analyses (historical, performance, and line failure). This system is designed from scratch by ELPLC S.A. engineers, creating a solution by engineers for engineers, made by a machine manufacturer, hence it can be strictly tailored to specific needs.
