Posted to News on 25th Apr 2015, 15:40
Reliable data recording and tracking: QC in Industry 4.0
At the Hannover Messe Industrie (HMI) trade fair, SICK AG will be using the example of an intralogistics process to demonstrate how increasing quality standards and the need for efficient use of resources can be implemented in the context of Industry 4.0. The sensor technology detects changes to the object and enables gap-free data recording. The software analyses the process data and initiates actions. The combination of a multitude of data and the evaluation software is a key prerequisite for the future-oriented subject of Industry 4.0.
Reliable and unambiguous identification of goods in the production process and supply chain is a vital prerequisite for efficient, autonomous control. Whether it's a single parcel on the belt or a complete overview of millions of parcels that are transported every day, the status of all recorded data must be easy to retrieve and analyse.
Intelligent sensors record and communicate this data, but there is no real added value involved until this data can be used to make decisions on ways to improve processes. On the one hand, this data offers great opportunities; on the other hand, however, the process of preparing it in a way that allows companies to make the right decisions presents a significant challenge. This seamless flow of data and information from the sensor to the control and back again is the cornerstone of Industry 4.0.
In the future, parcels will be transported more and more quickly, while the spacing between the parcels decreases. This is why it is even more important to check the quality of the products. Data relating to the parcels on the belt is scanned and imported into the software. The parcels are identified and compared: Is the parcel damaged? Is the code complete? Are the weight and volume the same? Is there a jam or has a parcel got lost?
Extensive product and production data enables autonomous error detection. All of the data is compared in a matter of seconds. Any defects can be tracked via all centres and the trouble spot can be identified. In addition, quality defects in the process can be identified and resolved. As the speeds on the belts are further increased, maximum productivity is guaranteed - not just within one site, but all over the world.
To learn more about Sick's sensor technology for intralogistics processes in Industry 4.0, go to www.sick.co.uk.
