CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
User Interfaces (RBUI). RBUIs also happen to be the lat- est trend in ERP software, allowing workers who repeated- ly perform the same tasks to access their frequently-used applications more easily. This can be crucial to winning workers’ buy-in. The Tool Supply platform includes con- nectivity cutting tool data through the CoroPlus offer. This connects with multiple suppliers’ product databases and allows the import of correct tool information, including ISO parameters, bills of materials and spare parts. Along with the CoroPlus ® Tool Supply software, Sandvik Coromant can also provide the cabinets that hold the tools. The company sees automation as being integral to im- proving efficiency and sustainability for its customers. A core aspect of sustainability, and particularly of energy ef- ficiency, is being able to analyse and predict the use of resources including the tool inventory. While Industry 4.0 is benefitting sustainability on the production line with sensors and insights, CoroPlus ® Tool Supply can do the same with inventories to ensure they are optimised in terms of time-, cost- and energy-efficiency. Over the coming years, the company envisages soft- ware like its Tool Supply becoming more widely integral to automation systems and decision-making across the man- ufacturing process. One example is: when planning to ma- chine a new component, the software helps the customer decide which tool to use. Another scenario would see the software more connected to the machine and the scope of work. If the user plans to machine 50 or 100 components, for example, are there enough tools in stock, will they wear out or can the work be completed with the existing inven- tory of tools? Sandvik Coromant sees this kind of automation happen- ing, but manufacturers can already use the software to up their productivity levels. □ Reference: [1] https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/industries/industrial-manufacturing/digital- factories-2020.html
Automated inventory management supports higher production efficiencies and can improve production times. is also designed to handle the many facets of inventory management, such as monitoring levels of inventory and automating tool purchasing. Automated tool purchasing is seen as a major value- add feature. The worker who standardly manually tracks the contents of a tool cabinet can rely on CoroPlus ® Tool Supply to order and replenish that tool stock automatically. The software allows workers to pick and return tools from the shop floor and supports them with the management of restocking and ongoing maintenance of the inventory – all in real time. So people and software work together. The challenge of overcoming manufacturers’ reluctance to go digital is best addressed by highlighting the benefits.
Making better decisions Another feature of CoroPlus ® Tool Supply is its Role-Based
Part of global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is at the forefront of manufacturing tools, machining solutions and knowledge that drive industry standards and innovations demanded by the metalworking industry. Educational support, extensive R&D investment and strong customer partnerships ensure the development of machining technologies that lead and drive the future of manufacturing. Sandvik Coromant owns over 1 700 patents worldwide and is represented in 150 countries.
For more information visit: www.sandvik.coromant.com
CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES
Emergency stops for automated production lines
Shrouded E-Stop buttons prevent unintentional actuation but still allow easy access for intentional use.
Banner offers a number of variations of its popular Emergency Stop controls with durable protective shroud. The shroud has a sturdy one-piece design which ensures safe and consistent operation for the long term. It prevents accidental user actuation of the E-Stop button, but it does not impede easy access for regular, intentional interaction. The 30 mm and flush-mount E-Stops are supplied with a pre-installed shroud, and panel-mount E-Stop kits are supplied with a shroud attachment. The shrouded designs are available for non- illuminated E-Stop models and those featuring Banner’s
industry-exclusive bright 360-degree illumination. Shrouded E-Stops are adaptable to various automat- ed systems, but they are particularly well suited for: - Material-handling conveyor lines - CPG packaging lines - Automotive assembly lines. For more information contact Brandon Topham at Turck Banner. Tel: +27 (0)11 453 2468 Email: brandon.topham@turckbanner.co.za Visit: www.turckbanner.co.za
6 Electricity + Control MARCH 2022
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