FACE TO FACE
FICEP ’ s new web-oriented and cloud-connected HMI .
also creates value for customers as it shows them how to generate extra business from their machine assets . It flags when they need certain services such as retrofits , servicing , tooling , preventative maintenance and operator retraining . These key services , in an Industry- 4.0 . chain , help to keep FICEP machines up and running .
FICEP is also adding a lot of robotic applications to its machines for loading and unloading , in collaboration with partners , as automation is always in demand . The manufacturer makes its own CNCs and the trend towards Industry 4.0 drove it to develop its own cloud-connected , human-machine interfaces ( HMIs ) for its machines .
“ We launched our new , redesigned , web-oriented and cloud-connected HMI at EMO Milano 2021 ( 4-9 October 2021 ),” confirmed Colombo . “ During the pandemic , we redeveloped and redesigned this product so that the front-end can evolve faster with the new technologies that are coming out ( Javascript , Python , WPF ).”
“ Because we supply not just the machine , but also the infrastructure to support the machine asset and the customer , we realised that this project was much bigger than just the
As a machine tool fabricator , our attention is also shifting to ancillary and complementary processes development of the HMI . So , we also decided to develop a new a customer-centric , knowledge management software platform , where we record the customer from the marketing stage ( as a lead ) until he becomes a prospect . This includes all pre-sales communications ; feasibility studies ; offers ; quotations ; time studies and technical and commercial aspects ( down to order fulfilment ; service ; spare parts etc ),” added Colombo .
This was a huge software investment of two million euros for FICEP . In essence , it allows the manufacturer to control the customer ’ s machine lifecycle , from beginning until end ( scrap / trade-off etc .). It can also be interfaced with PLM ( Product Lifecycle Management ) software .
“ This also allows us to monitor remote interventions and problem resolutions so that everything is stored in a knowledge management system and can be shared across our organisation to spread experience and expertise . We want to bring this valuable knowledge to our service teams , as well as to our customers , so that we can all grow together . It is important that this data is stored properly and can be re-used ,” Colombo told ISMR .
An eye on the future
“ Of course , we continue to develop machines and technologies ( such as plasma ) that are faster , cleaner and more capable but , as a machine tool fabricator , our attention is also shifting to ancillary and complementary processes . A thermally treated operation means that the material must be treated ( cleaned etc .) further downstream . So , our customers do not just want faster machine speeds and better performances ( i . e . how many parts they can produce per hour ) but now also focus on how many finished / assembled products they can make in their factory ),” explained Colombo .
This includes all ancillary and complementary functions in a factory ( such as machine-tomachine process , reworking , weld preparation etc .). FICEP ’ s customers are asking it to add quality control to a part so that when a part comes out of the machine , and is going to assembly , it must be in tolerance and not need rework etc . Their focus is on the entire value chain , and not just on the machine .
Colombo points out that this broader customer view also correlates with the changes driving its Industry 4.0 practices .
We are working on VR and have now completed a digital twin for one of our machines
“ There are two major differences now . One is data availability : with the new HMI / customercentric system , all data will now be available and cloud / web-accessible from any device . The second difference is combining machine data with market / customer tracking data ; you then have valuable , powerful knowledge that can be held in a knowledge management system ,” he commented .
“ Many companies talk about using AI in manufacturing . However , if you really want to make a difference , you need to invest in one or two Big Data experts who can properly mine data and generate usable data . Our machines combine different technologies which generate massive amounts of data . Invest in the right people who can understand the data and decide on the right algorithms ,” he added .
FICEP is already using Augmented Reality ( AR ) tools , connected to its CRM , so that its service teams can see instructions from its competence centre on their IPads , iPhones etc . for machine troubleshooting and maintenance purposes . That data is stored in a knowledge management system .
Christian Colombo sees future utility in Virtual Reality ( VR ) tools , for applications such as training , but not for the next five years ( at least ).
“ It takes a lot of time and hard work to create 3D digital twin representations of machinery etc . on VR goggles , phones etc . so it is not an immediately efficient process . It is easier to use Augmented Reality for services , rather than VR , right now . However , we are working on VR and have now completed a digital twin for one of our machines but , of course , it will take a lot more time to be ready to support this properly ,” he told ISMR .
In the meantime , he hopes that robotics , automation , AR , VR , Big Data and AI in manufacturing will change the perception of ‘ dirty ’ heavy industry manufacturing in the minds of Gen Zs / Millenials .
“ The young are the lifeblood of this industry . We have a training academy and offer apprenticeship programmes to attract young engineers . We partner with the polytechnics of Milan and Turin , as well as local schools , to bring in more young people . We are also trying to set up this culture in our subsidiaries . The quicker we can set up our knowledge management initiatives , the more this will help us to attract the interest of today ’ s young engineers ,” he concluded . n
52 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021