Enlarge: Tool information is interpreted from the CNC program; combined with tool management data it forms complete tool documentation.

What were the challenges to be solved and what specific benefits were achieved?

Globalization tightens competition between industrial companies and respectively creates pressure to act. EVO Informationssysteme GmbH gives companies the chance to introduce EVO solutions at low rates of capital expenditure. Therefore it is easy to make use of potentials in business organization, the flow of information, and production processes.

Often times, the initial situations of users are very similar: Information breaks and gaps due to numerous isolated applications avoid a continuous flow of information. EVO solutions use connectors to integrate into data pools of existing applications. This creates system-spanning continuous data communication and information provisioning. Processes are accelerated and employees stay perfectly informed. By integrating the machine world into the entire business organization, production processes become transparent, efficient and stable.

How can the Industrie 4.0 approach be described?

The EVO approach “Retrofit Packages for Industry 4.0” allows to integrate single intelligent components via connectors directly into the existing IT landscape and (even older) machine tools. So EVO Informationssysteme GmbH supports small and medium-sized enterprises in gaining access to digitalization and integration at low rates of capital expenditure. Making use of wireless networks, it provides additional benefits for mobile data and information provisioning.

“You can immediately recognize the ‘EVOlutionary’ in our company name ‘EVO Informationssysteme GmbH’. Consistent pursuit of improvement and optimization through new technical possibilities is an elementary component of our corporate philosophy. Looking at our portfolio of Industry 4.0 solutions, one could think the buzzword Industry 4.0 was created specifically for EVO Informationssysteme.”, says Jürgen Widmann, CEO of the software company.

What could be achieved?

Depending on the scope of individual applications or the desired functionality of the solution, different goals can be pursued and different results can be achieved. Integration of individual applications to a holistic system and respective data communication is one option. Monitoring, logging, and analysis of machine tool information become very easy. Providing current data and software for machine tools, like measuring data and machining programs, as well as structuring the flow of information are easily put into reality. Bundling know-how in a central information system allows for increasing productivity through better planning and control. Processes can be monitored much better and can be designed much more transparently. The product can be traced throughout the entire production process down to the raw materials used.

What measures have been taken to achieve the solution?

EVO Informationssysteme consistently uses the possibilities of new technical devices. Since 2005, Wi-Fi technology is practically used by customers for EVO applications. The software manufacturer maintains direct contact to various hardware vendors to test devices prior to their introduction at customers. That is how new industry solutions originated: mobile applications for tablets and smart phones (apps), connectors for integrating different systems, as well as external data exchange based on industry standards (VDA, ODETTE, EDIFACT). Automation of simple data entry, integration of machine tools for centralized equipment monitoring, and paperless manufacturing with tablets and Touch-PCs were put into practice. Identification technology (1D barcode & 2D barcode) as well as analysis and controlling systems are the basis for process optimizations.

What can others learn from it?

Users are able to implement Industrie 4.0 solutions when an attractive cost-value ratio is reached. This is the key to the willingness to perch on Industry 4.0 as a core strategy. For implementing a project, essentially the key users must be convinced to make use of the system. This can be achieved through simple and logical applications.

For reaching the desired success and benefit, all use cases must be implementable with the solution in a very simple way. EVO therefore maintains intense contact with the users. This way, feedback and practical experience are integrated into future program versions.