These include manual workstations, delivery zones, waste collection points and older machines without modern interfaces. Now there is a universal solution for upgrading production and intralogistics processes with a focus on flexibility, increased efficiency and simplicity.

The Kis.Me system from Rafi consists of the intelligent WLAN-capable Kis.Box input units with two illuminated pushbuttons, the Kis.Light RGB signal and machine lights and the Kis.Manager web platform, which can be used to set up the devices and configure them individually for the respective application.

The name Kis.Me is an acronym for "Keep it simple, manage everything" and describes both Rafi's underlying system concept and the way it is used. "With Kis.Me, we help companies to visualize and accelerate their analogue production and logistics processes using simple means and to increase production efficiency," explains Maximilian Hämmerle, Project Manager at Rafi. "All that is required is a power connection and Wi-Fi at the application site."

The decentralized Kis boxes with M12 connection and integrated WLAN interface can be used for on-site activation of messages. The input units have two individually configurable and labelable buttons as well as two digital inputs and outputs for integrating light barriers, sensors or controllers, for example. Depending on the individual configuration, different actions can be triggered, such as the activation of remotely positioned Kis lights in different colors, the sending of e-mails, the control of systems or application-specific actuators via relays.

Simplify internal logistics

"The option to activate different preconfigured messages at the touch of a button or signal input simplifies many procedures in previously non-digitalized processes considerably," says Hämmerle. "For example, where employees previously had to pick up the phone or send e-mails for transport orders, with Kis.Me a single press of the button is enough." The KIS lights also offer new possibilities thanks to the WLAN interface and flexible positioning, especially as they can signal different statuses, requirements or alarms in different colors with their RGB color spectrum. In many cases, in-house logistics can be significantly streamlined by means of automatic signalling and signaling systems configured as required.

At the heart of the Kis.Me system is the Kis.Manager for setting up, managing and monitoring Kis.Devices. Once the account has been activated, the web platform provides all the functions for clear display, automation and evaluation of the signaling processes. Once the push-button boxes and signal lights have been onboarded, any number of automated processes can be created on the platform using a rule engine. The easy-to-understand logic can be mastered without any programming knowledge and makes it possible to record and trigger various actions and processes using simple if-then-or rules.

In addition to rule creation and management, Kis.Manager can also be used to create different user roles with graded rights. For example, an installer can set up new use cases and optimize existing processes, while an operator is not allowed to make any changes to the process. Another highlight of the platform is the central data storage of all events. By analyzing and exporting data on all processes and statuses, trends, anomalies and special incidents can be identified. Kis.Manager therefore not only serves as a platform for real-time control and monitoring, but also provides the data basis for continuous process optimization.

Transparent data collection, evaluation and presentation

To maintain a transparent overview of the status of systems and processes at all times, users can create individual dashboards with various widgets in Kis.Manager. Data records and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) can be prepared and displayed graphically in a variety of ways. In addition, digital twins can be placed on the virtual store floor with the help of building, warehouse or hall layout plans.

With Kis.Me, various analog processes can be digitally retrofitted in a simple way to obtain data where none was previously available. The Kis.Manager ensures a high level of transparency and supports users in identifying optimization potential. The only requirements for the digital retrofit are a power supply (24 VDC or USB 5 VDC) and an Internet connection via WLAN. A guest network without a connection to the company or production network is also sufficient.

The connection to existing machines and systems can be realized via external sensors, which are simply retrofitted and connected directly to the Kis.Device. Alternatively, signals from the control systems can also be tapped into existing signal and signaling units. "Although Kis.Me is most useful in production and logistics, the system is not limited to these areas of application and industries. We have found that even employees whose companies have only recently started using Kis.Me come up with completely new ideas for its use," says Hämmerle.

Rafi offers the Kis.Me account with graduated licenses and scopes of services. For those interested in trying out Kis.Me first, the manufacturer has created a starter kit with which the entire system can be tested without obligation. It includes a Kis.Box and a Kis.Light, all the necessary cables and a power bank to try out the devices in the planned area of use without any installation or assembly work. All platform functions can be used for a free trial period.