How Siemens brings production data directly to the line
Siemens AG
challenges
Insufficient transparency on the production line due to decentralized, verbal, and paper-based communication of production data.
solution
Implementation of Peakboard, integration of SQL databases, Excel, and PDF data sources, visualization of production and process data on Andon boards and digital bulletin boards in manufacturing, as well as use in logistics applications such as digital shift logs and warehouse management.
benefits
- Quick and easy implementation of a display solution for production data
- Paperless information provision directly in manufacturing
- Increased transparency for employees without a PC workstation
- Flexible control of the information displayed on the board
- Straightforward and near real-time availability of relevant data
Time to Value
Siemens is one of the world's leading technology companies and has been synonymous with innovation in industry, infrastructure, and building technology for decades. At its Rastatt site, the company, with over 600 employees, develops and produces solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. These include controls, valves, and burner controls, which are used in residential buildings as well as in large industrial plants or complex infrastructures.
Peakboard is a compact solution for quickly, easily, and visually appealingly bringing production data to the line, without complex programming or additional interface development. It supports employees, helping them to work efficiently with the right information in the right place. For us, Peakboard represents a significant step towards greater automation and efficiency.
Production communication through notes and verbal instructions
As many variants and orders run in parallel at the Siemens Rastatt site, it must be clear what needs to be done and where deviations occur. This is the only way for team leaders and employees to react immediately, adjust processes, and maintain stable production. Siemens aimed to improve communication with and on the line, as the transfer of important production-relevant information often relied on notes or verbal communication in the past.
The goal was to make information centrally available in the production hall, enabling employees to access relevant production data directly at their workstations at any time.
“For this, we wanted to visualize data from SQL databases, Excel files, and PDF documents on monitors along the production lines in manufacturing,” explains Izzet Kaplan, IT Architect at Siemens in Rastatt.
Central Data Visualization without Programming
While searching for ways to visualize production data directly in manufacturing with minimal programming effort, Izzet Kaplan discovered Peakboard and quickly realized he had found the right solution.
“I was particularly impressed by the rapid implementation concept, especially with the provided hardware and user-friendly software, which allows visualizations to be created quickly, easily, and visually appealingly.”
Integration Without Complication
The implementation of Peakboard was very swift overall.
“We only had to take our time for the security review and approval for integration into the company network,” recalls Izzet Kaplan.
The creation and commissioning of the first visualizations was very quick and straightforward. Support from Peakboard was not required for this. For questions later in the project, Peakboard's support responded very quickly and impressed with their high level of expertise.
“We particularly appreciate the team's accommodating and solution-oriented approach. You always feel taken seriously and well supported,” adds Izzet Kaplan.
Visual Information on Processes and Production
Peakboard accesses two main data sources: an SQL database from which production data is retrieved, and drives where Excel and PDF files are stored.
The production and process information is read directly into Peakboard and then visualized on Andon boards and a digital bulletin board in production. In the logistics area, it is also used for a digital shift log and warehouse management. Team leaders independently control which information is displayed on the board via their PCs. The data is updated automatically every 10 minutes.
Izzet Kaplan still vividly remembers the moment when Peakboard's added value for Siemens first became apparent:
“What was particularly impressive for us was that we succeeded in displaying and initiating production order data directly on the production line with Peakboard. The data flows bidirectionally between SAP and Peakboard (via an SQL database), so that the lines are automatically switched to the corresponding production order.”
Meanwhile, around 300 employees use Peakboard to quickly and stay up-to-date on relevant production and process data.
“Employee acceptance is consistently positive,” confirms Izzet Kaplan. “They have greater planning certainty because current information is always visible. The biggest qualitative improvement lies in transparency and real-time data availability – a measurable basis for further optimizations.”
Transparency and Efficiency for the Entire Plant
The plan is to extend the existing digital production order solution to the entire plant.
“Our goal is to leverage the benefits achieved so far – particularly transparency, paperlessness, and up-to-date data – across all production areas,” says Izzet Kaplan.
Tip for Companies Planning Andon Board Implementation
„I recommend starting small, quickly gaining experience, and then expanding the solution step by step. It's also important to clarify data sources early on. And you should work closely with the IT department and end-users – this way, you can avoid acceptance issues and develop practical dashboards.“
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