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Smart manufacturing where it belongs: Cumulocity IoT brings intelligence to the factory floor
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms
- Processors & Edge Intelligence - Embedded & Edge Computers
Applicable Functions
- Discrete Manufacturing
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Energy Management System
- Leakage & Flood Monitoring
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
SMC, a leading expert in pneumatics, noticed that their customers were seeking more information from their machines but were unsure of how to obtain it. There was also concern that large investments in technology might not guarantee a return on investment. SMC decided to extend its product lines with smart networking and decentralized intelligence through the Internet of Things (IoT). However, while most SMC components were fitted with sensors, there was no way for customers to see, decide, and act on the data detected by these sensors. SMC needed a solution that could integrate with any 'thing' and the IoT data could further integrate with any cloud service, core system, or application.
About The Customer
The SMC Corporation began in Japan in 1959 and quickly established itself as a global leader in the manufacturing of pneumatic equipment. In 1978, SMC Deutschland, a wholly-owned subsidiary, was set up in Germany, the future birthplace of 'Industrie 4.0.' The SMC corporation has 19,746 employees and is present in more than 83 countries and regions. In Germany, a team of 750 manufacturing industry experts work to bring innovation to the factory floor. SMC offers its customers a product palette that includes 12,000 basic models with over 700,000 variations. The company prides itself on passing innovation on to its customers and is always looking for ways to stay ahead of technology.
The Solution
SMC partnered with Software AG and its Cumulocity IoT team to develop a solution. Cumulocity IoT offered numerous advantages, including integration with any 'thing' and the ability for IoT data to further integrate with any cloud service, core system, or application. It required no coding and could be up and running on the customer side in under 20 minutes. Cumulocity IoT was available on the edge, cloud, and on-premises, providing options for SMC customers who were not using cloud solutions. The solution was deployed and creating value in less than one week. Under the offering 'Smart field analytics,' SMC provided a powerful, simple but easily scalable solution to customers. With simple dashboards, factory managers could deploy predictive maintenance across the floor.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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