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Alexandre Flory, OEM segment manager at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, explains how the company is driving manufacturing efficiencies with intuitive machine automation
he European machinery production market has continued to perform
strongly through a difficult economic climate, and by 2017 machinery production is predicted to reach €437.6bn. The largest manufacturers of machinery in Europe remain unchanged, with Germany, Italy and France taking the top three spots. The UK and Ireland represent the fourth largest producer of machinery in Europe, with 7.6% of total European market machinery sales. However, challenges for the industry
persist. Issues of overcapacity in some of the previously faster growing nations, as well as continued economic uncertainty throughout Europe, are two of the major factors affecting machinery production in the region. The objective for OEMs is to produce simpler, more efficient and intelligent machines, with the flexibility to adapt in ever-changing markets. Manufacturers are turning to intuitive
machine automation solutions to do exactly that - helping machine builders design more energy efficient and cost effective machines and installations, whilst maximising their performance.
KEY FOCUS AREAS Schneider has found that machine builders are looking to drive revenue and competitiveness by focusing on four key areas - machine innovation, increased performance, reduced cost and speed to market. As customers seek more and more ways to distinguish themselves from competitors, machine innovation is vitally important, with current demand moving towards increasingly flexible machines. In packaging, for example, customers are looking for the capability to handle a greater variety of pack types and sizes - all from a single machine. This flexibility can often lead to
increased machine complexity, which is where true innovation is required. Rather than invest in costly accessories, and the support required to integrate those, machine builders should turn to machine automation solutions that are flexible enough to meet a wide range of technical and performance needs. Alongside this, OEMs also require
improved machine performance. Manufacturers are aiming to increase the production capacity and throughput of machinery, while at the same time
S4 NOVEMBER 2014 | PLCS & INDUSTRIAL PCS
cost. In order to do that, there needs to be a focus on the costs associated with the machine across the entirety of its life, from concept through to operation and end of life. Today, factors such as the rising price of energy, as well as carbon taxation costs, need to be taken into consideration from the earliest possible stages. Energy efficiency and environmental impact can be significant factors when calculating overall machine cost, and can be a key feature when seeking to stand out from competitors. Recent studies show that OEMs are well
aware of the available energy efficiency technologies for improving the efficiency of their equipment and machines. However, while many OEMs are conscious of the growing pressure and demands coming from the market, they are reluctant to make changes due to the perception that new technologies will make their machines more expensive to sell. In fact, companies that endorse energy
increasing production speeds, enhancing ergonomics and driving efficiency. Scalable systems can deliver significant gains in this area for machine builders. One automation platform that can serve a network of varying machines can drive efficiencies and reduce the need for duplicate effort and cost.
INDUSTRY 4.0
As Industry 4.0 gains speed, the opportunity to deliver greater efficiencies increases. Machine builders can now monitor and manage machines at any time, from any location. With flexible, connected automation platforms manufacturers have the ability to oversee production, and make any required changes, remotely from any internet connected device. This centralised management shortens the response time to any issues, and delivers the flexibility to meet customers’ varied demands - all much quicker than ever before. In an ideal world, all this is pursued with an eye on reducing total machine
Above: manufacturers are turning to intuitive machine automation solutions to produce simpler, more efficient and intelligent machines, with the flexibility to adapt in ever changing markets
efficiency and sustainability in their thinking, experience stronger loyalty from their customers, produce better quality machines with improved machine performance, and find more opportunities for new business even in a tough economic environment. Thinking green from concept through to end of life can ultimately lead to substantial competitive advantage, as end customers become more and more aware of the importance of environmental credentials.
SUMMARY Last but not least, speed to market remains absolutely critical for manufacturers looking to maintain an edge. Based upon flexible hardware platforms and a comprehensive single software suite, machine automation solutions such as MachineStruxure proposes Tested, Validated and Documented Architectures with application function block libraries. This can help OEMs reduce time to market by up to 50%, keeping development costs under control at the same time. A faster, more cost effective route to market, will ultimately lead to a faster ROI, increased revenues and improved margins.
Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com T: 0870 608 8 608
Enter 220 /AUTOMATION
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