Over 56,000 visitors – a significant increase from the previous year's 51,000 – and a noticeably international atmosphere confirm: Trade fairs are more in demand than ever. It was great to feel the industry's dynamic energy so vividly again after a period of “shock paralysis.” The economy thrives on innovators. Many companies have shed their initial uncertainty and are now actively seeking clever solutions to realize their visionary plans. A positive signal for the future, states Philip.
At the heart of our numerous discussions were questions surrounding machine digitalization and optimization.
1. Mastering Data: Connecting Production Data Silos
This is the core question of digitalization. Many companies already have visualization and transparency, but lack true analytics to generate tangible added value. Data is the raw material, but only the ability to understand and use it for strategic decisions makes it valuable. We talked about how to connect often complex data islands in production and create a solid data foundation.
2. Understanding 'CONTROL': Beyond Machine Operation
This is not about replacing the PLC. On the contrary! The PLC excels at controlling machines and should do just that. But it's not a database and should not contain complex decision logic such as data retention, rework stations, or extensive recipe management. For all these things that go beyond pure machine control, STIWA offers standard products. We create the digital intelligence layer above the control system, enabling you to truly take control of your production.
3. AI in Production: Top 3 Use Cases Unveiled
Attracted by an AI ping-pong referee at our booth (more on that below!), Johannes Nöbauer shared his top 3 use cases for production:
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Production Scheduling: AI brings a new dimension to planning here. By analyzing countless parameters, we can create dynamic production plans that react to real-time data and significantly increase efficiency.
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"The Parameter Optimization Problem": AI has a unique view of your machine data and can handle far more parameters simultaneously than a human. This enables previously unmatched optimization of complex processes and systems.
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Human-Machine Interaction: Whether as a helping hand for machine operators through intelligent assistance systems or as dynamic machine documentation for maintenance technicians – AI creates new, more efficient ways for data flow and interaction between humans and machines.
SPS Highlight: The Challenge-US – Guaranteed 5.5% OEE Boost
A special highlight at our booth was our competition: The chance to win a machine digitalization with a guaranteed OEE optimization of 5.5%.
But how do we do that? How can we guarantee it? What does the customer have to do for it?
These questions came up frequently, particularly, this one: "How do we do that?" First of all: No software installed retrospectively on a production plant will automatically make the machine faster – even if AI often seems magical, we're not there yet. The real key lies in the targeted collaboration between you as the customer and the collected production data. It might sound disappointing at first that it's not solely up to the software, but is it really? You work with your machine daily anyway. But do you do it the way your machine needs it? This is exactly where we come in. Our software transforms "no idea" problems into clear instructions for action – in real time. It provides the necessary transparency and analytics to truly understand data and use it for proactive control, instead of just retrospective analysis. This enables you to not only monitor processes but also actively and data-driven optimize them. This is how we jointly ensure the path to sustainable OEE improvement.
We were particularly pleased about the presence of our partner Dataciders Austria. They impressively demonstrated their capabilities in data and AI. A highlight was their AI referee, who closely followed ping-pong games and rewarded the team with the highest rally with a Lego set. A playful way to show how AI analyzes data and makes decisions.
Many thanks to Johannes Nöbauer and Michael Kasteneder for your support!
It was an incredibly inspiring, yet also strenuous, trade fair, filled with valuable discussions and new impulses. We look forward to the next joint steps!
Many thanks to everyone who visited our booth and took the time for these valuable insights! We look forward to further discussions.
