As businesses automate their production processes for better productivity, there can often be unknowns and pitfalls in navigating this technically intensive transition. SEW-EURODRIVE is simplifying this task by working with its customers to avoid these risks, applying its proven Maxolution offerings in applications that range from automotive plants to logistics warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
According to Werner Engelbrecht, Works Manager Mechatronics at SEW-EURODRIVE, this automation implementation process is focused on combining every aspect of the production process of SEW-EURODRIVE’s customers, including fully integrated hardware and software components. Rather than a customer having to develop their own software infrastructure from scratch, says Engelbrecht, “Maxolution has its own pre-defined application modules that have been developed by the programming and engineering teams at SEW-EURODRIVE, drawing on their years of experience in the field.”
“With our specialised software, we can simulate material flow in industrial systems, helping customers to achieve greater efficiency through multiple integrations of systems,” he says. “The Maxolution portfolio allows applications in the customer’s facility to be incorporated into a single network that can be troubleshot before being assembled and put into the production line.”
This creates the foundation for a complete system to work in synergy. It also opens the door to integrate new systems and to allow existing systems to adapt to product changes, explains Engelbrecht. “Maxolution can offer cost-effective adaptability for product variations in a production line due to its easily programmable application modules.”
The system has already been installed to help automate the factories of leading South African car manufacturers. However, Engelbrecht argues that Maxolution has significant potential in other local sectors, helping to raise efficiencies, productivity and output once the processes have been tested, audited and applied.
“With our experience and the proven technology, we can use the Maxolution systems to implement automation plans cost effectively and quickly,” he says. “These solutions also save energy through the use of energy management systems and energy efficient IE4 and IE5 mechatronic decentralised solutions and motors.”
He highlights that the Maxolution offering is an important way that SEW-EURODRIVE differentiates itself as not only an equipment supplier, but as a partner in project planning, commissioning, after-sales service and support. Customers can even enrol staff for training at SEW-EURODRIVE’s state-of-the-art Drive Academy near Johannesburg.
Enquiries: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
