"The automotive sector is facing an epochal change. The industry has never had to cope with such serious changes in competition, products and processes at the same time. E-mobility, autonomous driving, and shared mobility – these and other developments are currently changing the market. As requirements continue to grow, the degree of digitalization in factories is also increasing. At the same time, specific requirements such as certifications, traceability and individual customer wishes must be met," explains Peter Bollinger, CEO of iTAC Software AG.
In order to continue to play a leading role in this rapidly changing environment, the automotive supplier Brose is focusing on transparency and a high level of digitalization in its production. One goal here is to make data-based decisions. "Data is the fuel for automotive suppliers. Data analysis is the basis for error prevention, targeted actions, and predictions for the future. To enable Brose to fully exploit the great potential of the available data, we are currently collaborating on a pilot project. We are contributing our expertise in the development and deployment of infrastructure and machine connectivity. Brose has the production data expertise to develop the corresponding algorithms," explains Martin Strempel, Business Development Manager Data Analytics at iTAC Software AG.
MES/MOM specialist iTAC supports Brose with its IIoT platform including the iTAC.SMT.Edge machine integration platform powered by Cogiscan, which serves to standardize and centralize factory level data. The subsequent real-time data analysis and further processing is handled by the iTAC.IIoT.Edge software.
The iTAC.IIoT.Edge. analysis tool links IIoT data with MES data to form flat data structures and to analyze this data in real time. Furthermore, Brose implemented Cogiscan’s Factory Intelligence platform. In this initial phase, two Brose plants will be equipped with iTAC's IIoT platform and edge solutions as part of the pilot project.
Use cases for optimizing SMT production
By using the two edge solutions as components of iTAC's MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management) solution, numerous use cases for advanced and digitized SMT manufacturing can be developed. For example, iTAC and Brose are implementing false call reduction at Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) stations. The use of AI/ML models to analyze AOI data reduces the high instance of false calls by classifying whether an inspected PCB has real or pseudo errors.
Furthermore, false call reduction for solder paste inspection (SPI) machines and other test stations can be realized. Most interestingly, Brose is looking to reducing false calls at automatic X-ray inspection (AXI). This will lead to both quality and process improvements in production.
"The IIoT platform and edge solutions offer a broad range of actionable solutions. The aim of all the applications we will be rolling out in the near future and later on this scalable basis is to enable Brose to adapt to the volatile market in an agile manner and produce with the highest quality," says Peter Bollinger.
