T he Manufacturing Information Platform (MIP) created by WMG, part of the University of Warwick, has been helping Pressmark collect data to improve its manufacturing processes. So far, the technology has helped the business analyse machine downtime, discover the bottleneck and change the process to become more time-efficient.
Atherstone based high-quality metal pressings firm Pressmark has been continuously improving business throughout their longevity, regardless of challenges brought on by the pandemic. With the knowledge and capability of supporting a wide variety of clients, the firm strives to improve its customers’ experience through collecting data and reducing downtime where possible.
In an article published by WMG, they said: “At Pressmark Pressings Ltd, we are using this data to show a dashboard of the production rate compared with targets. This data helps the management team see where issues are arising that impact productivity. This information is critical in the very challenging environment as industries recover from lockdown restrictions.”
WMG provided Pressmark with sensors that get installed on the company’s press machines. This new automated software allows Pressmark to collect data about them, specifically temperature, vibration, and cycle accounts, thus calculating different variants are highlighting when the machines are most efficient.
The data collected from the sensors has already proven to be making a difference in the business. For example, Pressmark noticed unnecessary downtime in production due to materials not readily available at the machine when ready to go. However, with the help of sensors, they will signal the materials handling area to ensure they are with the machine at the right time. John Nollett, Managing Director of Pressmark, said:
“Understanding what is going on in the process and what we can do to improve it is invaluable to the business. It allows us to create a better experience for our customers and understand what is happening with our internal processes. The sensors tell us more about the number of vibrations coming from a machine. The more vibrations there may indicate that there is an issue with the tools or machine deteriorating. This indicator gives us time to plan and provide maintenance for the tools or the press. Automating our products in this way leaves less chance for error than with a manual process.”
The integration of modern technology with older, more traditional equipment has positively impacted Pressmark. From reducing downtime to becoming more efficient and saving on cost. On top of giving the company the chance to change its manufacturing processes, this change has also made the company more competitive and gain the capacity to provide to more customers. However, this isn’t the end of automation at Pressmark, as they also plan to utilise cameras in the future to quality check products and more, as they encompass Industry 4.0.
— One Comment —