Ready for a smart digital future: In recent years, many companies have increasingly turned to new technologies and initiated numerous projects in the field of IoT. In the digital Internet of Things, interconnected machines, devices, and everyday objects exchange a multitude of information and data, essentially communicating with each other. HK.SYSTEMS ensures that this networking functions and also makes analog, older devices smart and IoT-capable. While many are already engaged with the topic of IoT, as an IoT specialist, we can translate this development into reality: from the necessary sensor technology, data transmission, and data analysis to the resulting measures for process optimization – we offer everything from a single source.
Analog becomes digital – Retrofit as a smart sustainability principle
In many business areas, the digitalization process has significantly increased technical requirements. For an existing machine, this means: if one wishes to continue using it for sustainability reasons and not dispose of it, the existing components are replaced with modern parts. This principle, called “Retrofit,” is one of the hottest trends in the fields of digitalization and Industry 4.0. Retrofit stands for “Out with the old, in with the new.” Or also “Analog becomes digital.”
We do exactly that: make previously analog machines digital and smart. This makes the system IoT-ready and fit again for the demands of Industry 4.0 – with impressive positive effects:
- Extended machine lifespan
- Reduced downtime
- Lower production costs due to higher energy efficiency, productivity, and product quality
- Compliance with legal requirements (emission regulations, safety requirements, etc.)
- Possibility of valid and rapid acquisition of process and machine data for Industry 4.0
- No lengthy approval procedures
- No costly conversions or new constructions
Smart Machines: Indispensable Basis for Digital Industry 4.0
Machines networked via the Internet of Things and the data collected in this way form the indispensable basis for successful, efficient digitalization of every company. With retrofitting, existing systems are cost-effectively upgraded with modern sensor technology and communication technology. For example, they are then able to collect and analyze production data.
Want more background? Gladly: Modern sensor technology ensures that machines can measure physical quantities such as temperature, power consumption, or pressure. Via our IoT gateway ROSI®, these measured values or data are read out and digitally recorded. An intelligent approach that requires no intervention in the existing control system of the plant. The interconnected machines transmit the data via the internet to special software that analyzes, visualizes the collected values, and, depending on requirements, combines them with other production data.
Via a dashboard, machine statuses can now be checked anytime and anywhere – a perfect basis for efficient planning, control, and optimization of production processes. This is the indispensable value of IoT! Just one example that every company should know: Valid Predictive Maintenance can only be realized through reliable key figure forecasting – and this is precisely what intelligent automation of production makes possible.
Our IoT hardware platform ROSI® forms a crucial basis for the required digital networking.
ROSI® – The IoT Hardware Platform for Optimal M2M Communication
Intelligent, flexible, and secure: ROSI® is the HK.SYSTEMS IoT hardware platform for functional M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication. An ideal solution for the fast path from proof of concept to series production: as a pre-configured and immediately operational IoT gateway system. With all necessary components that can be flexibly adapted to any individual requirement: interfaces, sensors, connections, power supply. Via mobile communication as transmission technology, ROSI® also guarantees 100% secure data transmission. Elaborate installation of additional hardware on site is not necessary.
How we make machines fit and smart for Industry 4.0
We make machines smart with the following steps. And ensure that our customers do not lose touch with international competition:
As-is and Requirements Analysis
The first necessary step: analysis of existing systems and production processes. Which indicators and measured values should be recorded? Are there already built-in sensors? Where does it make sense to retrofit sensors? What specific technical requirements should be met in this context?
Component Selection
Selection of the required retrofit components for new sensor technology, hardware, and software.
Implementation
Technical conversion of the machine: dismantling of old and installation of new components, installation of hardware and software, implementation of machine networking.
Commissioning / Data Collection / Data Evaluation
Commissioning of the new components, measurement and digital recording of data. These are then visually displayed and evaluated by the installed software and the IoT platform used in the form of dashboards.
Measures
The collected and evaluated data form the basis for concrete measures for production planning, control, and optimization. We can also provide support at this point.
By the way: Almost any machine can be made smart, no matter how long it has been in operation. This makes retrofitting the ideal entry into digital Industry 4.0. Because one thing is certain: digitally networked production within a Smart Factory will be the decisive factor for the success of many companies in the future.