Production control technology and process visualization for the solid wood industry
Production control technology and process visualization for the solid wood industry
The requirements for the control of modern industrial production systems are becoming ever larger and more complex. Batch size 1 production, customized commissioning, hybrid production of GLT and CLT on one line and, last but not least, the integration into the company's own software environment are just some of these requirements. Any pure PLC control system is overtaxed with this complexity.
This requires a higher-level control system, a production control system, which takes into account all processes and makes target-oriented decisions. That is why MINDA has been developing production control systems in-house for over 30 years, and the new FlowMate user interface is our next big step in that evolution.
FlowMate user interface
FlowMate is more than a simple interface between operator and machine. With this ultra-modern control system, MINDA meets all the requirements that customers face as part of the transformation towards Industry 4.0. For an optimum plant monitoring, FlowMate displays the entire plant three-dimensionally. The material flow is also mirrored in real time and all machine conditions are displayed. Because of freely configurable views, the operator can quickly focus on the areas being interesting for him most in the specific situation. The information and input masks displayed are precisely tailored to the selected view. In addition to terminals permanently installed in the field, the operator can also access FlowMate by a control station or on mobile devices. Thus, the user interface offers maximum flexibility and control for all employees.
Additional features
In addition to the basic function of an optimum line control and monitoring, MINDA also offers the possibility of adding further modules. Production and line statistics is one example that can be used to identify possible bottlenecks or to check the availability of machines. FlowMate can also be supplemented by a warehouse management system loading and controlling area or high-bay warehouses perfectly. Like all MINDA products, FlowMate is perfectly tailored to the customer and fits seamlessly into the existing software environment.
FlowMate: Perfect integration into the individual software environment
The heart of every modern GLT or CLT plant is the production control technology. With the new FlowMate user interface, all current requirements are met.
- Quick orientation through 3D view
- Tidy and clear input masks, as only situationally required information is displayed
- Mobile operation and application on various end devices
- Active push messages in critical situations
- Different password-protected operating levels for differently qualified employees