Gerhard Schubert confirms GRIPS.world system extension
German-based packaging firm Gerhard Schubert has created an extension of its GRIPS.world web-based digital monitoring platform across its equipment range.
The company has revealed that as of next month, customers will have increased access to its latest system which has been developed to help increase production efficiency.
According to the Crailsheim-headquartered business, the move will open up new opportunities for preventive maintenance and communication with customers.
In addition, the system’s enhanced GS.Gate gateway has been created with a key focus on ensuring security of data during exchange processes for those operating its TLM machines.
As the company explained, with GRIPS.world, customers will soon be able to access TLM system production data from anywhere worldwide. Data sovereignty, of course, lies entirely with the customer. If an intervention by a service technician is required, remote maintenance can be activated by the customer.
With the data collected, predictive maintenance can be used to identify potential problems at an early stage, which reportedly avoids downtime and unplanned service calls.
The system is also being developed to forward error messages or possible causes of an impending failure to the responsible employee, e.g. via mobile devices.
This notification will take place even before the actual part wears out, thus avoiding a costly failure. The operator then receives suggestions for remedial action from the program. The objective is to entirely avoid unplanned downtime.
Optimising overall system effectiveness
As Gerhard Schubert explained, its system has been devised with the aim of keeping total plant efficiency at the highest possible level over the complete service life of the machines. It monitors performance, with deviations from specified target states being continuously adjusted in the future.
The customer has an overview of this data via a dashboard and can receive recommendations for increasing production capacity and optimising capacity utilisation.
Secure data transfer
According to the company, ensuring data security for its customers is a significant priority. The basis for networking the TLM machines is a secure machine interface that collects and evaluates operating and process data, making it available for different systems.
Consequently, the company’s subsidiary Schubert System Elektronik has developed the GS.Gate machine gateway in cooperation with IT security specialists, genua GmbH.
For secure remote maintenance and data transmission, the industrial gateway is equipped with a firewall that securely encrypts the data obtained and forwards it via the Internet to the respective analysis system or to the cloud.
To ensure the highest level of protection between the machine and the external network, the GS.Gate is designed according to the “security by design” principle.
Data processing applications that are directly connected to the machine are separated from the security systems. This protects the communication and data from access from the external network.
