cpp – Process technology for the chemical industry 02.2020

In order to keep an eye on the running production at any time and
anywhere, OSDi provides several apps such as a smart interface and a
condition monitor
In a virtual training unit, operators can practice cleaning
processes at and in the isolator without blocking the real
machine
already address a preliminary stage which is
decisive for success: training new personnel.
Via an app, experienced trainers make
3D-animated learning content available.
Using interactive graphics, animations, and
detailed instructions, new employees can
familiarize themselves with the entire process
of solid formulation production. In
several modules, the learning platform illustrates
how individual parts of the machine
are assembled and protected from wear, for
example. After each module, the trainees are
obliged to complete a small test on the
training content. Their learning progress is
depicted in an overall summary.
Fette Compacting is working on a range of
virtual training units to enable work processes
to be practiced. The first available
unit concerns the preparation of an isolator
for cleaning. Without blocking the real machine,
employees can practice the process as
often as they want using virtual glove ports,
VR glasses, and a gaming notebook. The
standardized process is supported by an avatar
and a virtual checklist. Once participants
feel sufficiently confident, they can move to
a test mode where they can clean the isolator
without instructions. Those who pass
the test receive a certificate. Gaming elements
such as a high score also make VR
training more fun and increase the motivation
of the participants.
Digital overview
OSDi also has initial applications ready for
ongoing production: the team has developed
a Fleet Manager to provide a swift
overview of the machines at all locations.
A single glance at a mobile end device indicates
which machines are running and
which ones are down. Users can arrange
their machine park in the app and focus on
individual production halls or manufacturing
lines in particular.
Those who wish to access machine data live
without being bound to a cloud solution
can use a special Fette Compacting interface.
This permits access to real-time production
data independent of the respective location.
The KPI dashboard offers an overview of the
current production and machine status. The
monitoring functions can be used for recording
and exporting all process values.
Often it is not sufficient to merely know the
status quo. It is also increasingly important
to detect possible error sources at an early
stage. A condition monitor collates production
and machine data, harmonizes them,
and visualizes them on any device via a secure
cloud. Maintenance teams use the app
to see the real-time status of their machines
and plants. A comparison with historical
measurements indicates deviations at an
early stage and prevents downtimes. It can
even be used to configure third-party machines.
The functions of the condition monitor are
further extended by a performance manager.
Among others, it visualizes measurements
and notifications from all connected
devices – live and chronologically. This way,
it indicates any statistical deviations and
communicates performance potentials.
Swift detection and troubleshooting
And finally, troubleshooting is also more efficient
thanks to OSDi tools: with a smart
guide, operators can remedy frequent errors
at the instruction of technical experts. The
app runs on a mobile device or a desktop
computer. Images, animations or videos
provide information on the respective error
and illustrate the steps for a solution. Furthermore,
users can create their own instructions
for their machines, regardless of
the brand.
If the troubleshooting guide is not sufficient,
a smart remote tool offers personal
live chats and video conferences with experts.
Operators use the app on a mobile
device and can implement the instructions
provided by experts directly on the machine.
Augmented reality increases the
precision of troubleshooting via visual tools
such as a “finger pointer”. This remote tool
saves solution instructions in a customer
archive enabling users to access it at will.
All in all, OSDi currently includes eight
functional applications for solid formulation
production. The fact that more apps and services
will follow is clearly foreseeable in
line with the agile methods already used.
www.cpp-net.com
Online search: Fette Compacting
AUTHOR:
BRITTA VON SELCHOW
Head of OSDi Digital
Solutions,
Fette Compacting
cpp 02-2020 45