High-performance machines enhanced by first-class digital services
MA micro automation GmbH
Initial Situation
By building high-performance systems, MA micro automation GmbH is a leading international company in the automation technology and special machine construction sector. However, this elevated level of machine quality means that there is hardly any customer contact once a machine has been delivered to them. Yet at the same time, digital services are conceivable that provide the customer with added value.
Such a service could, for instance, signal the need for preventive maintenance before a machine comes to an unplanned standstill. Production quality could also be increased, as comparisons of data from different production sites could provide reference points for improvements.
The project thus aimed to further expand its range of services for clients by developing and providing digital services and to develop MA micro automation into a leading company in this field.
MA micro automation approached Novatec as a strategic partner and advisor on this digital journey in order to jointly think about business models, define an approach, a roadmap and implement proof of concept.
Creating a basis for the subsequent services was an important interim goal: extracting data from machines and compiling it on an IoT platform to be selected for this purpose. Alongside this, a data model, a data strategy, and a target architecture, including implementation phases, were to be developed.
This proof of concept was conducted as part of the project to validate selected components, map various digital services, and visualize them in dashboards in order to ultimately determine added value for end customers. The entire project was time-boxed: the goal was to present the results at the K 2022 trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Approach
In collaboration with MA micro automation, the IoT platform Cumulocity IoT was selected. Existing partner ecosystems, streaming analytics options and extensive low-code capabilities in particular spoke in favor of this system. The key component of the target architecture was defined with Cumulocity IoT.
In order to collect and aggregate data from on-site machines, INSYS, one of Cumulocity IoT’s partners, was selected as the next building block.
Their edge devices allow Linux containers to be run so that data can be aggregated locally before it is sent to the platform. INSYS was also chosen because of its exceptionally high security standard and support for all relevant interfaces.
Based on Cumulocity IoT, initial digital services were implemented. One of these services provides condition monitoring aimed at mapping wear components and deciding when they need to be replaced based on the live data. In doing so, customers benefit from a digital service that suggests optimal maintenance intervals.
These services were achieved using Apama EPL, a programming language for event-based systems that is very well suited to streaming analytics and enables their application with little effort. Cumulocity IoT also integrates EPL very well with Angular, a technology used for front-end development.
Results
The entire project lasted less than five months and was delivered agilely using Scrum and two-week sprints. Collaboration between MA micro automation and Novatec was outstanding, as each partner brought their own particular expertise to the project: MA micro automation in Operational Technology (OT) and Novatec in Information Technology (IT).
Difficulties in the project, such as accurately predicting required maintenance despite lost data packages, were solved together. What was decisive in this collaboration was the customer’s clearly high priority for the project.
As a result, initial digital services and a stable basis for future developments were successfully presented to MA micro automation customers at the K 2022 trade fair in Düsseldorf. Further plans include energy management in accordance with ISO 50001, for instance. This platform can be used to record energy or compressed air consumption and make it transparent for customers.
Consumption increases caused by leaks or increased friction can thereby be quickly identified. Anomaly detection using AI processes can now also be performed, increasing the benefits for MA micro automation GmbH’s customers.
New Business Development
New Business Development combines expertise in IoT, custom software development, methodology and strategy development. Along with our manufacturing industry expertise, we help our customers to future-proof their business models and accompany them on their individual path to an outstanding digital offering.
The client – MA micro automation GmbH
MA micro automation GmbH employs more than 200 people and is a leading international company in the automation technology and special machine construction fields. From individual design and implementation consulting to on-site customer service, MA micro automation provides its customers with a complete range of production equipment.
MA micro automation’s particular strength lies in its ability to provide customized automation solutions in medical technology, visual inspection and customer service.
“What was special about working with MA micro automation was open communication and a solution-oriented approach. Such strategic projects thrive on good and transparent cooperation and a great deal of interest shown across the entire team. Based on this, challenges and ideas could be discussed together and at an equal level and sustainable results could be created.”
Das Besondere an der Zusammenarbeit mit MA micro automation war die offene Kommunikation und lösungsorientierte Arbeitsweise. Derartig strategische Vorhaben leben vom guten und transparenten Miteinander und einem großen Interesse an der Thematik im ganzen Team. Auf dieser Basis konnten Herausforderungen und Ideen gemeinsam und auf Augenhöhe diskutiert und nachhaltige Ergebnisse geschaffen werden.
Timo Fritz,
Novatec Consulting GmbH
Die Digitalisierung unserer Prozesse und Produkte ermöglicht es unseren Kunden aufs nächste Level zu kommen. Deshalb stellen wir genau diese Thematik mit all ihren Facetten ins Zentrum unserer Entwicklungsarbeit. Mit der Novatec haben wir einen Partner gefunden, der es uns erlaubt, digitale Dienste zum Nutzen unserer Kunden in hoher Geschwindigkeit zu entwickeln.
Tobias Eicher
MA micro automation GmbH
