Smart Automation Standard
To keep control and ensure a proper execution of all the production steps in an reliable manner VDL Steelweld has developed a Smart automation Standard. Through the decades of experiences a lot of solutions have been engineered, build and implemented for numerous of applications and products. This has been captures in a library of building blocks that can be used or altered to specific needs.
When applications are not present new building blocks can be engineered to suit customized process steps. Each building block can be tested at the VDL Steelweld Testing facility before implementation in a production lin.
The Smart Automation Standard is more then just the software. It represents paired solutions captured in building blocks that span configurations in hardware, pneumatics, electornics and software.
Component Selection
A reliable production line hinges on the selection of the right components and equipment for the processes which need to be performed. Our five decades of experience in production line architectures enables us to select components which are reliable and work in harmoney towards the end goal; a finished product.
Special Equipment
The right decisions need to be made when it comes to design and buy parts. When proven or existing equipment can be used this represents an up side in regards to the down time risk. However when innovating not everything can simply be bought. At VDL Steelweld we can also build specialized equipment for dedicated activities in a production process. Each custom build part can be tested and validated in the testing facilities present at VDL Steelweeld.
This ensures that initital optimizations are made before integration in the production line.
Naming convention
Complex production lines also include a noumerous amount of sensors, IDs, stations, labels, variables, units etc. A correct and thought through naming convention enables operators and/or mainentance personal to quickly locate components, match errors with cause and monitor overall status of the line.
Simulation and Virtual Commissioning
Before anything will be build physically all parts, components and machines are checked in simulation. Movements and sequences are validated through the process steps and updated if necessary.
With this activity completed the initial commissioning is done virtually which reduces the risk for alterations after installation.
Our partners and customers can make use of this competence as the Smart Automation Standard encapsules a library of compentens that virtually mimic reality en therefore make it an easy step to include also in smaller projects.
Visualization & HMIs
Based on the software blocks visualization protocals have been developed and ready to be used. The correct visualization and tracking in case of interferences and errors reduces the MTTR times and thereby increases the overall output of the Line.
Software Building Blocks
Based on the mechanical standard, building blocks have been designed and validated. Throughout the years blocks have been updated or changed to suit each specific manufacturing process. Therefore the library of software blocks to suit various applications is enourmous.
The ability to work of an existing and validated software standard ensures a swift commissioning period and less downtime during the production ramp up phase.
Your Benefits
- A Library of Ready-to-Use Building blocks for various amount of applications
- Proven equipments design and technologies
- Testing facilities to develop and validate new applications
- Dashboarding and monitoring application
- VPN connectivity to your production line