Remote access and data enable machine builders to optimise on-site maintenance and promote the improvement of new generation machines. Let's take a look at the case of VAI Packaging, an Italian manufacturer of packaging machines.
The Italian packaging machine sector tends mainly towards exports, with a share that rises to 80%, according to UCIMA (Italian association of automatic packaging machine builders). This proves the high technological value of the machines produced by Italian manufacturers, but at the same time poses numerous challenges in terms of the quality of assistance and services offered.
In this context, VAI Packaging’s case is relevant. It’s a company that designs and manufactures automatic and semi-automatic packaging machines for various sectors, from food to non-food. They have customers located mainly in the United States, Europe and Israel.
The VAI Packaging plant in Castelfranco Veneto, Italy.
The implementation of an industrial IoT solution stems from various needs to provide customers with a solution to accurately manage production recipes. It's necessary to implement the interconnection of machines adapted to customers' production settings. This can be done with a variety of tools, from simple PCs to more complex infrastructures.
Until four years ago, remote service was optional. Today all our customers want to connect their machines.
Federico Martalò Project Manager at VAI Packaging
The main challenge for VAI’s customers is the handling of high production quantities or, alternatively, small quantities of a large number of references. Usability and accuracy in the management of machine recipes therefore play a primary role.
IXON Cloud’s industrial IoT solution makes the connection between the PLC on the machine and the platform on the cloud. Here, the manufacturer can view the operational data of the machine fleet. He can then also choose which data he wants to share with the customer via the service portal.
The technical features and functionalities of IXON Cloud made this type of implementation possible. It enabled VAI Packaging to achieve the necessary interconnection to provide structured remote assistance. And to use the remote control panel for direct intervention on the required drives.
VAI has customised the data display dashboards, dividing machine data into two types:
We have standardised IXON Cloud on our machines. Its simplicity also makes it eligible for retrofitting.
Federico Martalò Project Manager at VAI Packaging
Technische afdeling van VAI Packaging.
The information gathered enabled VAI Packaging to optimise the operation of the supplied machinery, increasing productivity, reducing consumption and structuring an after-sales service strategy for its customers.
