gbo datacomp: Remote MES — first complete online project completed from acquisition to commissioning

Corona regulations have meant that gbo datacomp introduced a manufacturing execution system completely remotely for the first time, from acquisition to user training. Augsburg, 02.03.22 “Of course, there is no MES More introduced completely offline. Even before the pandemic, many steps were carried out remotely when introducing an MES,” begins Michael Möller, managing director of gbo datacomp. However, if you want to implement a system completely remotely, the requirements are significantly higher and in many parts completely different, according to the experience of MES experts. Communication represents a particular challenge. “It simply works differently online than in a personal conversation,” explains Möller. Non-verbal communication is more difficult, especially when there is no or only a poor video connection. Experience shows that it takes longer before you can correctly assess your counterpart and the scope for interpretation is very wide.” As a result, our documentation costs were significantly higher,” summarizes Möller. All requirements and agreements must be compiled in the specifications and discussed with the customer in order to develop the functional specification together. Not an easy task, can be done online Workshops rarely do it for longer than 4 hours.” Remote does not have the option to communicate with your counterpart in Shopfloor To see what is meant in the systems,” Möller adds. Instead of explaining a work process on a machine, it must be explained online. The greater time required in the various project phases of a remote MES implementation is reflected in rising costs. If the acquisition and implementation took up to one year in the past, a remote implementation would require an additional effort of up to three months. The exact effort depends on the complexity of the system to be introduced. On the other hand, there are no travel days and expenses.” We have learned a great deal and can only say in conclusion: As much online as possible, as much offline as necessary,” concludes the managing director. And most importantly, with the knowledge gained, the MES experts were able to significantly increase efficiency in the introduction of MES solutions.Photo caption: Remote MES — first complete online project completed from acquisition to commissioning (shutterstock_258726044)