Digitization for linear systems
ITEM DIGITALLY INCREASES VALUE CREATION WITH ITS LINEAR SYSTEMS
Linear systems perform complex functions in manufacturing. An interdisciplinary team develops the system, specialists put it into operation. Normally – but the customers of item Industrietechnik GmbH work differently. They design their solutions online, and they also commission them themselves. In addition, of course, they can still count on the advice of item’s customer service representatives. Together with TriniDat Software-Entwicklung GmbH, item has molded their digitization concepts into software solutions that are convincing in terms of quality and appearance. This is how highly technical smart products with real added value for item and its customers were created.
ITEM EXPLOITS THE OPPORTUNITIES OF DIGITALIZATION WITH SMART PRODUCTS
As their numerous awards prove, item Industrietechnik stands for unusual solutions that bring real added value to plant and machine builders. Since 2016, for example, item customers have benefited from an end-to-end, digital creation process for linear systems. Together with TriniDat, item designed and developed the two software packages “item MotionDesigner®” and “item MotionSoft®”. From design to commissioning, item customers now go through the process significantly faster, more reliably and more cost-effectively.online procurement included.
With “item MotionDesigner®”, users can design their automation solution on the Web. They don’t need any special technical knowledge, because the software provides it. They define their transport task via a clear user interface. During the design process, the software ensures that the selected drive systems, controllers and linear units fit the application and are compatible. At the same time, it ensures that the user complies with the design rules, correctly dimensions components and decides on the best installation position.
item MotionDesigner®” generates comprehensive project documentation from the resulting configuration. The customer can download this in the form of a PDF file. With just one click, he transfers the specification to the shopping cart. The shopping cart automatically generates the corresponding order parts list. If desired, the system can be delivered pre-assembled and ready for installation.
“Linear technology in itself is very demanding, and so was our digitization project. With a high level of technical understanding, the TriniDat team quickly got to grips with the material and our requirements. With their ideas, the Düsseldorfers turned our concept into a customer-friendly software,” praises Christian Thiel, the responsible project manager.
DIGITIZED BUSINESS PROCESS MAKES ITEM CUSTOMERS SELF-SUFFICIENT
The drawings and assembly instructions provided with the documentation now help customers to install the system professionally themselves.
And item customers no longer have to rely on the support of an expert on site to commission the linear unit. Within a few minutes, an employee gets the unit up and running. To do this, he downloads the “item MotionSoft®” assistance system developed with TriniDat free of charge from the item website.
After the technician has transferred the sequence specification from “item MotionDesigner®”, he decides whether the teach-in run should be fully automatic or whether he would like to define the parameters himself in Wizard-supported expert mode. If the employee is not a specialist in control engineering and PLC programming, he leaves it to the commissioning software to determine the settings, right down to operating load, stroke and speed, completely independently. These values flow directly into the system control.
“TriniDat brought all IT technologies to the project in order to implement our digitalization concept in top software. Together, we provide an example of how a complex business process can be digitally simplified and shortened from weeks to just a few days,” clarifies the responsible product manager Uwe Schmitz.
INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE CONNECTS SUPPLIERS WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS
“item MotionDesigner®” as well as “item MotionSoft®” stand for the modern, digital working world with cross-company integrated work processes.
Customized software creates win-win situations in which both sides benefit from innovative, data-based additional services. Because customers and suppliers increase their added value. And what’s more, digital solutions help to at least partially compensate for the shortage of skilled workers: Data prepared in a task-appropriate manner enables employees to make decisions independently in line with the situation, and on the supplier side it reduces the amount of travel. Capacities can thus be deployed more efficiently. In addition, customers who feel understood and receive good solutions become loyal customers and valid references.
Smart products are flexible and easily scalable and expandable. With individual software applications, suppliers can react quickly to new market requirements to gain a competitive advantage. In this context, a long-standing partnership offers the advantage that the software supplier does not have to be briefed from scratch every time. The cooperation starts exactly where the last project ended. At TriniDat, fixed contact persons stand for openness and transparency in communication and project management.
ABOUT ITEM INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY GMBH
item is a globally recognized pioneer when it comes to modular systems for industrial applications. Founded in 1976, item develops and distributes solutions for machine and plant engineering as well as for factory equipment. Its product portfolio includes more than 3,000 high-quality components for the design of machine frames, workstations, automation solutions and lean production applications. With its automation and lean production applications, item significantly supports the digitalization efforts of its customers. The numerous design awards attest to the item team’s skill in creating solutions that meet needs and are practical.
FURTHER INFORMATION
“item MotionDesigner®” to try out:
http://motiondesigner.item24.de/DEen/#/type
More information about the “item linear motion units ®”:
https://de.item24.com/themenwelten/automation/item-linear-motion-unitsr/