On October 24, 2024, CIM Aachen GmbH held a specialist seminar for industry experts and executives at the Veltins Arena. The aim of the event was to highlight current developments and best practices for digital production controlling. Through specialist presentations and practical solutions, participants gained insights into modern technologies and strategies for increasing efficiency in manufacturing. An exclusive stadium tour at the end of the event provided an opportunity for personal exchange and networking.
Key figures in digital production controlling: From data collection to root cause analysis
Jan Granitzka, consultant at CIM Aachen GmbH, opened the event with a presentation on key performance indicator determination in digital production controlling. He emphasized the importance of deriving key performance indicators both from corporate goals (top-down) and from production systems (bottom-up). Automated key figure provision and predictive analytics enable companies to identify developments at an early stage and avoid production downtimes. The existing IT landscape should be used as a data source first, followed by the evaluation of new OT solutions. This methodology shifts the focus from key figure determination to root cause analysis and increases the efficiency of companies. Granitzka encouraged participants not to shy away from negative figures, as they provide valuable insights, and called for existing structures to be questioned in order to exploit the full potential of production systems.
Increasing production transparency through digital transformation with smart2i
Carsten Brinkmeyer, Head of Business Development at Hymmen GmbH, explained the central role of transparency in production processes. He presented a four-step approach to increasing transparency: First, machine data and quality characteristics are collected, followed by securing the data using big data technologies in a central database. The data is then clearly displayed in customizable dashboards that are accessible on various end devices and enable informed decision-making. The final step involves analyzing the collected data to identify correlations and anomalies and generate proactive notifications. Brinkmeyer emphasized that smart2i solutions help companies to efficiently design transparency and increase their competitiveness.
Optimizing decision-making with self-service BI solutions
Mario Zur, Strategic Business Manager at Tadano Demag GmbH, spoke about the advantages of proprietary self-service BI solutions for improving data quality and gaining better insights. These intuitive BI tools enable users to perform analyses independently and respond more quickly to market developments. Dashboards and visualizations simplify the presentation of complex data and promote the acceptance of data-based decisions. The introduction of new analysis tools and apps has significantly improved discussions and decision-making processes by increasing speed and flexibility and enabling detailed insights. At the same time, automated processes have increased efficiency and reduced planning efforts, which has improved productivity and eased the daily workload of employees.
Optimization of production metrics through Power BI implementation at Schürholz GmbH & Co. KG
Schürholz GmbH & Co. KG has successfully implemented Power BI to optimize production metrics. The implementation process began with an on-site analysis and requirements definition in collaboration with CIM Aachen GmbH. A template was then created and the team was comprehensively prepared for the new solution in a two-day training course. With the support of CIM Aachen, those responsible, including Alfredo Patti (CIO), André Hufnagel (CFO), and Alexander Dorn (SAP Consultant Inhouse), overcame the initial challenges. The project has led to improved visibility of production data and faster response times to deviations. The ability to retrieve data without time-consuming SQL imports has further increased efficiency. The project underscores the strategic role of BI solutions in decision-making at all levels of the company.
Next-generation business intelligence: agility and real-time transparency for production
Julian Lauten, Consultant at CIM Aachen GmbH, concluded by discussing the future of business intelligence (BI) and the advantages of a digital production cockpit. Modern BI technologies offer real-time insights into production processes, enabling companies to respond quickly to deviations. The integration and analysis of data from various sources promotes an agile mindset that is crucial for digital transformation. Next-gen BI is based on four key pillars: real-time data processing, advanced analytics, user-friendly interfaces, and cloud and mobile access. These elements enable rapid implementation and adaptation to business requirements while ensuring transparency. Future trends include the use of low-code platforms to develop apps for digital shop floor management, as well as machine learning and deep learning to automate data analysis and improve predictions.
Conclusion
The seminar impressively demonstrated the value of practical topics in production controlling for specialists and managers. Participants gained insights into current BI trends and best practices, which promoted the exchange of innovative solutions. A comprehensive closing discussion and an exclusive stadium tour of the Veltins Arena rounded off the event.