Under the theme "Connected to your needs" chosen for EMO Hannover 2019, GF Machining Solutions will showcase digital solutions that enable customers to reduce machine downtime, track the performance of their machines and workshops, automate processes, ensure manufacturing process compliance and connect their GF Machining Solutions machines to ERP and MES systems.

The starting point is OPC UA

A separate area of the company's 1,100 square meter stand at EMO Hannover 2019 is dedicated to Industry 4.0, where visitors can learn about the corresponding software products and their importance for success in manufacturing. In line with GF Machining Solutions' vision of an open future of manufacturing, the OPC UA protocol (Open Platform Communications, Unified Architecture) is installed on all of the GF Division's machines. This protocol provides a common communication language for all GF Machining Solutions products, technologies and services. In its first version, OPC UA collects a large amount of comparable data and makes it available via the new rConnect dashboard on the shop floor as well as in users' offices; in addition, customers can connect their GF Machining Solutions products with their existing ERP and MES systems in this way. Both scenarios will be presented to visitors at EMO.

Successful with rConnect Dashboard

All live data collected on a variety of machine key performance indicators (KPIs) is available on the rConnect dashboard. This data is fully comparable and structured according to the ISO 22400 framework for defining, identifying, sharing and using KPIs in manufacturing. Through the status, availability, efficiency and productivity of a machine, users can easily track machine activity and receive alerts, such as when there is a deviation from their company's normal productivity. This allows processes to be better analyzed and fine-tuned to ensure delivery reliability to customers. Thanks to the rConnect digital service platform with the rConnect Cockpit and rConnect Live Remote Assistance, customers have a fast line to online support from experts.

The OPC UA and the innovative new rConnect Dashboard are two more solutions that GF Machining Solutions is using to advance the realization of the Industry 4.0 vision of intelligent, high-performance and predictive manufacturing for its customers today and in the future.

EMO Hannover: Hall 27, Stand B26