IT in Manufacturing


Operators step into the future

February 2019 IT in Manufacturing

Recognising the increasingly vital role that technology plays in business, SKF continues to move with the Industry 4.0 tide. In line with its ‘World Class Manufacturing’ initiative, SKF has implemented Operator 4.0, a new approach to managing machinery and operations from the palm of employees’ hands.

Since SKF’s launch of the ‘World Class Manufacturing’ digitalisation model at Göteborg plant in 2015, the company has been rolling out new innovative digitalisation and automation features to improve production and turnaround times to the ultimate benefit of customers.

This automation transformation also upskills employees and enhances their job experience with smarter technology leading to a more productive and safer working environment. The introduction of Operator 4.0 relieves operators from manual tasks and requires them to broaden their knowledge in order to be in a position to understand a more comprehensive system, with multiple connections.

Smartphones enable strategic decision making

Smartphones are a vital part of this equation as data alerts on these devices enable operators to interpret information and make strategic decisions. To assist in this transition, SKF has hired data scientists and data analysts. These experts assist in upskilling and training employees to equip them with the necessary knowledge so that they are able to understand complex systems with multiple connections to ultimately work faster, smarter and safer.

The straightforward process of data collection to operator interpretation begins with the operator viewing real-time data of all machines which is conveniently displayed on a screen mounted in the assembly island area. The compact Multilog IMx-8 from SKF is an online data collection instrument that offers sophisticated, fit-for-purpose machine health monitoring.

The most recent addition to SKF’s highly popular IMx-16 and -32 channel machine health monitoring platforms, the IMx-8, then processes and interprets the data measured by the sensors (up to 8 channels in this case). QuickCollect is the software on the smart device (smartphones and tablets) that interprets the IMx-8 data in a user friendly and comprehensible format. Through the power of the IMx-8 and software, machinery results detected by the sensors including temperature, rotation speed, and vibrations, are sent directly to the operators’ mobile phones. Operators are able to view machine condition, when service is required or detect problems early, thus avoiding critical failures, costly replacements and downtime.

In the event of an anomaly, an alert is sent to the operator’s smartphone via the ‘MOST’ application. Developed in-house by the Connectivity Room, this versatile application allows the operator to move between the assembly islands and view the instructions at each workstation by scanning the data matrix placed on each unit.

In addition to being privy to information which was previously restricted, operators are now also able to exchange information with colleagues via an integrated chat messaging application. This functionality allows employees and their supervisors to be connected at various locations.

In this digital age it is widely accepted that new technology also means increased risk and this too has been addressed by SKF. The company has introduced a number of measures to limit any potential hazards: Segmenting the physical network into virtual sub-networks, ordering two firewalls, and working on the development of a system to block viruses transferred via USB port inputs. Furthermore, e-learning modules and IT security workshops are conducted with employees to generate improved awareness on IT security and risks.

SKF employees are reaping the benefit of cutting-edge technology through the acquisition of new IT skills and the use of the smartphones in the workplace. With the recent implementation of these dynamic digital solutions, SKF is poised to elevate employee skills and enhance production quality and performance for the ultimate benefit of SKF customers.

For more information contact Samantha Joubert, SKF South Africa, +27 11 821 3500, [email protected], www.skf.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.

Read more...
Enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced risk-based modelling
IT in Manufacturing
Now, more than ever, capital and operational cost can be reduced while enhancing operational safety and increasing production uptime by applying transformative methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling.

Read more...
Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.

Read more...
Looking into the future of machine vision
Omron Electronics IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.

Read more...
Driving digital transformation in the truck industry
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.

Read more...
Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.

Read more...
Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.

Read more...
Predicting and preventing cyber-attacks with AI and generative AI
IT in Manufacturing
The speed at which cyber threats are evolving is unprecedented. As a result, companies need to implement state-of-the-art technology to protect their data and systems.

Read more...
Real-world lessons in digital transformation
IT in Manufacturing
Synthesis has helped businesses across multiple industries with their digital transformation by solving their unique integration challenges.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved