ISMR February 2024 | Page 35

FOCUS ON DIGITALISATION for example , to have a prototype for product testing produced quickly . However , the laser machines are scheduled seven-eight days in advance for series production orders ,” the company explained .

All production orders are planned and scheduled via ERP ( APplus ) and PPS ( Oseon ) ’ merged ’ with NC order data in close-toproduction work prep , and then go directly to the machines . NC programming at Deeg uses TruTops Boost ( TRUMPF software ) almost exclusively , and SolidWorks with sheet metal adapters for a few exceptions .
With synchronised production , the single and rush orders had to be managed without interrupting series production . At times , this proved very challenging with full order books and often three-shift operations . The time and effort involved was correspondingly high .
“ Our delivery times are between six and eight weeks . So , as you can imagine , it was quite a balancing act to meet our deadlines when we had to squeeze in smaller batches or prototypes ,” outlined Joachim Deeg , explaining the situation before LaserCloud was founded . As a result , some urgent requests could not be fulfilled at all : not an easy decision for regular customers .
Processing individual orders separately
“ We were eager to remedy the situation and needed a solution ,” Joachim Deeg confirmed .
It was therefore decided to set up a separate , fully dedicated department . A new hall was built and the company ’ s own machinery was acquired to manufacture individual orders separately from series production . The aim was not to process these orders via the standard order entry system , but instead to handle them separately and , if possible , through an online platform .
The new ordering philosophy at Deeg evolved as follows … If all you need is a simple bent part , you can order it via the web shop and have it delivered within a few days . Those who want to order full series can simply continue as usual via order processing . The new department soon became its own company , LaserCloud GmbH . A TruLaser 3030 fiber laser cutting machine ; a TruBend 5170 press brake , an ARKU sheet metal deburring machine and a Fladder deburring machine are available for the quick web orders .
“ At LaserCloud , we are extremely flexible because we have our own machines . If a customer needs their sheet metal part the very next day , we can deliver ,” promised Joachim Deeg . To ensure that a single order can be processed this quickly , the 15 employees at LaserCloud need to master all the machining processes required to completely manufacture a sheet metal part and then assemble it . At the parent company , there are separate departments for laser cutting , deburring ,
Joachim Deeg , CEO of LaserCloud GmbH , would like to see the results of the feasibility analysis visualised all the way to the machine .
welding and bending .
“ We need exceptionally versatile employees who can handle everything . It ’ s what enables us to deliver within just a few hours ,” explained LaserCloud ’ s managing director .
Web shop for single rush orders
“ At the time , I wondered why there wasn ’ t any software available for a job shopper in sheet metal processing to create a web shop and handle the small batches and single parts online ,” questioned Joachim Deeg .
Software developers acquainted with the CEO suggested that such a project would be a real money pit . But Joachim Deeg wasn ’ t ready to give up . Customers insisted that they wanted to place the small orders with their longstanding sheet metal partner but without , however , having to cope with long delivery times .
Through his contacts at TRUMPF , Deeg then became aware of RockIT Manufacturing as a potential web shop provider . The Ditzingenbased IT specialists , including former TRUMPF employees , create online shops for industrial companies and especially for sheet metal processors .
“ Once the web shop was designed for LaserCloud , online orders could be placed but the design
Above and left : What Deeg produces in larger series , LaserCloud carries out for single orders : precision sheet metal processing .
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