Machine data collection made easy — gbo datacomp continues to develop platform for connecting proprietary machine types

MES expert gbo datacomp uses intelligent interfaces for the standardized connection of proprietary machine tools. The goal of the extended Virtcont 4.0 platform, always up-to-date machine data for continuous vertical communication in the sense of Smart Factory.Augsburg, 02.02.2021digitization is and remains a challenge for SMEs. Many companies have established machine landscapes with different types of machines from different generations. Not all have network interfaces to be able to read machine data in a timely manner. However, up-to-date machine data is a prerequisite for transparency and rapid action, in the sense of Smart Factory.” Only when quantities, times, alarms, QA data and process values within production are recorded, visualized and verified automatically and in real time can we speak of transparency and consistency,” explains Michael Möller, managing director of gbo datacomp. Eine Machine data collection (MDE) such as BiSoftMDE makes an important contribution to reducing downtime and set-up times as well as faults, reducing the number of semi-finished parts and increasing on-time delivery. “We therefore advise manufacturing companies to connect their partly proprietary machines using an intelligent interface, such as the Virtcont 4.0 platform,” explains Möller. The manufacturer of modern MES solutions has had very good experiences connecting older machines with Virtcont 4.0. Virtcont 4.0 uses standardized interfaces to create a transport level between machines, product units and BiSoftMES. This allows process and Machine data can be integrated without complex IT knowledge. Machines and systems that do not have OPC interfaces can be easily integrated into the data world, machines and systems are fully vertically integrated. Functioning interface communication is essential for implementing Industry 4.0. Using bidirectional interface communication Horizontal and vertical integration should also be created in heterogeneous production environments. Standardised or “universal” interfaces, such as those offered by the currently revised Virtcont 4.0 platform for machine tools, are essential on the way to a smart factory.” Without a continuous Machine data collection At the push of a button, there will be no implementation of Industry 4.0 in companies. It is a first step on the path to continuous digitization,” concludes Möller.Photo caption: Machine data collection made easy (Photo: shutterstock_767436946_pressmaster)