Connectivity
Real-time locating enables flexible production models
SOURCE: SIEMENS
To make the same part as often as possible, this old mantra of production planning has been outdated for a long time. Modern technologies to digitally connect IT systems and real processes in the factory aid in increasing productivity and flexibility. An example: the use of real-time locating in electronics manufacturing.
Black material boxes are the distinguishing feature of new production concepts in electronics manufacturing. AN UNSPECTACULAR OBJECT SYMBOLIZES THE transition to Industrie 4.0 at the Siemens Electronics Factory in Fürth: black material boxes. Thousands of them are used in the factory for almost all material transport duties. In these boxes, components are brought from the warehouse to the assembly stations and finished goods are transported to the shipping department. The inter-factory transports between Siemens locations also relies on them. Over 2,000 boxes circulate within the factory alone.
Low volume / high mix production
Fürth occupies a special position in the group of factories run by Siemens Digital Industries; factory manager Lorenz Rappl describes the output as a low volume / high mix production.
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Meaning low quantities per type, but with a high product variety – ranging from highquality electronic components for industrial use to complex systems with a high degree of engineering. This shifts some aspects compared to mass production. In particular, secondary processes such as material transport or setup times play a much greater role than if the same product would come of the line day after day. Significantly higher flexibility at comparable costs – that is the formula focused on by the factory. Ultimately, it is about the reversal of the former Industrie 3.0 paradigm, which sought economies of scale through a high output quantity. The motto was to manufacture the same part as often as possible, thereby reducing unit costs.
However, the demands from the markets have changed considerably. The increasing product variety is the result of more and more specific customer requirements. Whereas in the past, a “one for all” product was accepted within certain limits, tailored solutions are needed today, which are also optimized in terms of price for the respective industry or application. Classic mass production cannot answer these requirements.
Industrie 4.0 production in Fürth
Black boxes instead of interlinked conveyor technology, highly qualified professionals instead of inflexible automation, dynamic selforganizing structures instead of pre-planned cycles: all these are characteristics of a modern Industrie 4.0 production like the one
in d u s t r ial et h er ne t b o o k
11.2021
