From Lento to Allegro: The Conductor in Assembly
Claas KGaA mbH
challenges
Self-developed clock display was maintenance-intensive and could not be expanded with new applications.
solution
Use of Peakboard to visualize clocking from the AGVs backend system on standard monitors.
benefits
- Visualized information on the clock display contributes to a better assessment of the target and actual state of the required work rhythm
- Graphical visualization of the assembly process
- Flexible expansion of additional applications at a later date
Time to Value
Founded in 1913, the family company CLAAS is one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery. Headquartered in Harsewinkel, Westphalia, CLAAS is leading the field shredder market. The company also has European market leadership in another core segment: combine harvesters. With tractors, agricultural presses and grassland harvesters, the family-owned company is successfully represented all over the world. The product range also includes the latest agricultural information technology. CLAAS employs over 12,000 people worldwide and achieved sales of 6.1 billion euros in fiscal year 2023.
“The system should be ready for use quickly in order to be able to display the clock and system messages when an AGV is introduced. However, it should also be flexible enough to be able to display information from other interfaces at a later stage. ”
Specially developed applications restrict growth
In order to make internal material flow more efficient and to relieve its own employees, CLAAS uses driverless transport systems along the assembly line at its Harsewinkel site. In order to provide employees with system messages and information to assess their remaining assembly cycle, the harvesting machine manufacturer planned to integrate a cycle time display within the production line. In addition, those responsible also wanted to digitize logistics processes by visualizing the data relevant for loading and outgoing goods on specially installed screens. CLAAS's previous digitization solution consisted of self-developed applications. This system was very maintenance-intensive and had another major problem: It was final in its form and could not be expanded with new applications. For a constantly growing company that wants to further develop its own production, this was an obstacle.
Peakboard impresses with its adaptability
CLAAS was looking for a flexible solution that could display important quality data across interfaces at a later stage and at the same time be expanded as required. Availability was also a key issue:
“The system should be ready for use quickly in order to be able to display the clock and system messages when an AGV is introduced. But it should also be flexible enough to be able to display information from other interfaces at a later stage,”
says Carsten Warzecha, Project Engineer at CLAAS Self-Driving Erntemaschinen GmbH.
In the end, Peakboard GmbH, an expert in industrial applications from Stuttgart, was able to impress with the combination of user-friendly design and high flexibility in the selection of interfaces. The solution consists of two components: the Peakboard Box as hardware with associated operating system and the Peakboard Designer as a software tool for creating dashboards. The Peakboard Box is an optional offer from Peakboard. Alternatively, CLAAS has the option of using its own device as hardware in accordance with the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept. “In the end, Peakboard was able to prevail over the competition both economically and technically,” says Warzecha, explaining the decision for the company from Stuttgart.
Interfaces enable clock display
At CLAAS, Peakboard is used in production and logistics to optimize local processes by digitizing work processes. An important factor is the over 110 possible interfaces that the solution supports. Prior to the collaboration, the system developed by CLAAS itself was supplied with automatically generated, text-based files. With the introduction of Peakboard, data from REST services was initially used. Data from MQTT and SAP was integrated at a later stage. These interfaces could easily be adopted by Peakboard. The AGV master computer provides predefined clock information in JSON format via REST interfaces. The quality data of the products is queried from the SAP backend system in accordance with the respective cycle. With support from the Peakboard Support Team, an existing Peakboard Designer interface could be modified so that dynamic data can be displayed. The high flexibility of the system also allows it to be expanded at a later stage in order to visually display data from other interfaces. Possible error codes of the AGVs are made available via MQTT interfaces. In the Peakboard dashboard, all this prepared information is then bundled and displayed in real time on standard monitors. These are located along the assembly line at a height of three to four meters and are therefore visible to all employees. To ensure that the AGV clock display is always up to date, all data is updated every minute and in case of acute changes.
In particular, the visualized information on the clock display contributes significantly to a better assessment of the target actual state of the required work rhythm in assembly and promotes continuous working methods. The additional quality data displayed provides direct feedback and thus promotes the quality awareness of personnel. In the logistics sector, personnel benefit from the visualization of specific data during loading and outgoing goods through a direct overview of the orders approved for loading.
This enables them to capture all relevant information at a glance and to check the status of orders. By presenting the data clearly, loading processes can be better coordinated, which ensures a smooth process.
Homemade isn't always better
Peakboard offers a solution that can be quickly integrated into the customer's existing processes. In contrast to CLAAS's own development, the Peakboard system can be extended as required due to its flexibility and used for applications at a specific point in time. Carsten Warzecha concludes: “The key to visualizing data is a good database and consistent provision of data. In future projects, the visualization of data on the shop floor will be considered right away.” CLAAS GmbH is currently using 18 Peakboard Boxes for the assembly line — a possible extension of the solution to other assembly lines and other areas of the company is already being considered.
Start now with Peakboard and simplify your processes
Turn live data into smart decisions — with Peakboard.
