Step by step to the Smart Factory

This year, the focus is on Paper on Glass technology, Predictive Analytics, Energy Management and scalable solutions in the Cloud.

To gain the full potential of the Smart Factory, flexible systems that can openly communicate with one another are needed – whether horizontally between machines on the production level, or vertically from sensor to the Cloud. The key to success is the possibility to network heterogeneous production environments regardless of the manufacturer, because only open, standardised interfaces and programming standards can enable sustainable development. Only this way can decentralised production sites become the Smart Factory of tomorrow, exemplifying sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly production.

Error-free production processes
With many manufacturing sites still using paper-based systems, there is significant room for growth in industry for fully networked, self-organising production systems. Modern Paper on Glass technology offers a wide range of advantages. For example, zenon Smart Checklist not only eases production employees’ work and reduces error-rates. Data can also be immediately processed and used for reports and figures – an important step towards the Smart Factory.

Future-proof manufacturing
Only when data is available in digital format can it be analysed and interpreted, patterns identified and probability developments calculated. This way, the production can learn from previous processes and avoid machine downtime. With resolto informatik GmbH, COPA-DATA shows how companies can access and use concealed knowledge to take the correct measures, at the right time.

Transparent and legally compliant
The zenon Energy Data Management System measures, records, collects and analyses in real-time. Display of different types of data is possible according to requirements – from Energy Performance Indicators to alarm lists, right up to complex graphic reports. All operational energy and consumption data can be displayed, archived and further distributed through open interfaces. COPA-DATA’s solution package also adheres to the requirements of the “Certified Energy Data Management” from TÜV SÜD and meets important criteria of the international ISO 50001 energy standard.

Cross-site data analysis
The more data that is available for the analysis, the better the results. If data from individual production systems and locations is collated in the cloud, organisations can view important topics such as energy management cross-site or globally. With its zenon Cloud solution, based on Microsoft Azure, COPA-DATA offers interesting possibilities to gather data and analyse it in a scalable, cost-efficient and ergonomic manner.