Machinery & Manufacturing | Issue 15 | May-June 2024

MACHINUM

A shop-floor workout plan

Machine tool builders and users alike are facing growing challenges to enhance productivity and adapt to constantly changing conditions. As traditional optimisation methods reach their limits, the digitalisation of production processes is an important tool for addressing these challenges. However, with many companies unsure of where to start, Siemens suggests that a tailored ‘workout plan’ can provide the pathway to digital transformation. With specific use cases and digital solutions, companies can get their shop floor fit for the future.

Importantly, it’s not just large automotive and aerospace customers that can benefit from this approach, as Mark Coombes, Machine Tool Systems Business Manager for Siemens in the UK explains: “It’s definitely changed over the past few years; many SMEs are now embarking on their digital transformation journey. With a portfolio- based digitalisation solution, SMEs can make the transition step-by-step as budget and time allow.” Christian Meltzer, Head of Machinum Product Management at Siemens Erlangen, Germany, adds: “For machine tool users and their many

challenges – such as supply chain crises, skills shortages and market uncertainty – digitalisation is becoming more realistic. Smaller machine shops want to know what’s available to make production more flexible and resilient. Notably, there’s no need to make a big investment up front. You can start by attacking specific pain points.” Case in point Nuremberg-based business W. Andreas Pfeiffer - Maschinen- und Apparatebau knows all about the current challenges for companies

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