It’s no mystery that machine tools have extensive use in the field of automation, and Siemens is presenting its latest service which caters to the digitalisation of machine tools. “Digital Transformation Awareness & Consulting CNC” is the tagline the company mentioned in a press release where they stated that the identification of action areas and the development of an individual digitalisation strategy was the motive of behind the new service. With the help of a gateway, users can connect both Sinumerik CNCs, controllers and automation solutions from third-party providers to higher-level networks. Digital Transformation Awareness & Consulting CNC and Brownfield Connectivity Services are part of Digital Motion Control Services that have helped enable Siemens to support its customers on the path towards digitalization.
Digital Transformation Consulting CNC works together with its customers to identify the potential areas for optimization. With its “Digitalization Check as a Service,” Siemens (together with the customer) checks the suitability of machines for digitalization and creates a concrete implementation plan. Once the criteria for the “Digitalization Preparation” stage is met, the next step is “Implementation” of the digitalization solution. “Data and Process Analysis” are then used to determine measures for optimization, so that manufacturing processes can be specifically improved in the “Optimization” stage. To complete the portfolio, “Maintenance” ensures a high degree of availability for machines and systems. The new Digital Transformation Consulting CNC as an entry into digital transformation requires about a week, including preparation and post-processing, where the focus is three days of intensive consultation with the customer on-site. In this time, Siemens experts analyze the status quo for the customer in terms of the production landscape. A digitalization strategy is then developed with concrete actions to optimize production.
Brownfield Connectivity Services support the connection of third-party controllers and older systems to higher-level networks. Siemens will then work with the customer to define the appropriate system architecture according to the requirements.
The necessary gateway is then installed on an industrial PC and the required client for Sinumerik controllers is installed on the machine. Taking a data backup before or after the installation is optional. With the help of a Connectivity Maintenance Contract, customers can ensure the connection is always up-to-date. Lastly, with the help of the service – customers can benefit from transparency from within the manufacturing unit.
