NEONEX

We recently had an insightful and productive workshop with experts from MES provider Industrie Informatik GmbH, where we discussed the assessment, selection and implementation of Manufacturing Execution Systems for manufacturing companies. Our discussions focused on addressing key challenges that manufacturers face, with a focus on practical approaches and best practices from both our project histories. Here’s a brief look at the key points we addressed: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 > Developing clear methodologies for MES assessment and provider selection to ensure the right fit for business needs. 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 > Guiding customers through organizational and technical preparations, including understanding IT architecture and MES capabilities. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 > Ensuring accurate and detailed capture of both functional and non-functional requirements to avoid common pitfalls. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 > Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Low-Code solutions to enhance MES functionalities and future-proof operations. 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 > Exploring classic and hybrid project implementation models to streamline the journey from concept to go-live. We’re eager about the findings we’ve made and looking forward to sharing our insights soon. Stay tuned for more!

Driven by the latest trends depicted in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree, manufacturing companies face a major transformation in 2024 and beyond. Last month, we discussed Robotics & Automation trends. The next key area of focus that we want to explore in detail is the 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻, which is set to improve industrial operations. Let’s take a closer look at the transformative trends within this category: > 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 PLM systems are becoming an integral part of the IT architectures of many manufacturers, responding to the rising demand for product customization and modularity. By eliminating data redundancies and standardizing processes, PLM enhances compositional transparency across the product lifecycle. It plays a critical role in aligning Configure-to-Order and Engineer-to-Order processes, improving product quality, and enabling advanced maintenance services. Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 1-3 years > 𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 This trend is set to revolutionize supply chain management by enabling seamless tracking of products throughout procurement, production, and distribution, down to individual components. End-to-end object traceability enhances supply chain transparency, helps to identify inefficiencies, reduce errors, and optimize processes. It also plays a crucial role in quality control by facilitating quick problem identification and resolution. Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3-5 years > 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Imagine having real-time insights into your inventory and demand dynamics. Advanced inventory management provides this transparency, facilitating precise demand forecasting, streamlining order fulfillment, and reducing inventory-related risks. This approach minimizes capital binding and storage costs, enhancing overall resource utilization and cost efficiency. Transformative Impact: Medium Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year These advancements in the Connected Supply Chain are not only poised to transform production processes but also address critical issues like supply chain resilience and operational transparency. By adopting these trends, companies can ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience in the evolving industrial landscape. In the coming months, we will explore the remaining key trends listed in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree in detail. However, you can get an in-depth look at all the trends right now by accessing the complete report on our website. Find the link in the comments below. #NEONEX #DigitalTransformation #SupplyChain

We are excited to share the highlights from the second NEONEX Power Days: This time, we gathered at lake Dümmer in Lower Saxony, Germany with perfect weather! The event once again lived up to its name, allowing us to dive deep into our goals while enjoying the idyllic environment. Here are some of the highlights: > 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Each day started with a refreshing activity by the lake. Our mornings included a fitness session led by our self-appointed fitness instructor, Consultant Steffen Ertle, a SUP session on the lake, and a calming yoga session. > 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: We concentrated on refining and perfecting our corporate strategy. This included discussing our ambitious goals and key focus areas for the rest of the year and beyond. We are committed to continuous improvement, striving to get better every day and regularly reviewing our progress to enhance our efficiency and teamwork. > 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: We bonded by constructing a raft together and sailing it across the lake. This activity demonstrated valuable lessons about knot techniques & teamwork. > 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: We presented and discussed topics we’ve been working on over the past few months, learning from each other and gaining new insights. > 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽: We reviewed our custom-developed value stream optimization software and received a comprehensive introduction to ensure that all NEONEX consultants can use it effectively in client projects. > 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲: We embarked on a cycling tour to explore the beautiful surroundings, ending the day with a relaxing meal at the local beach club. > 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴: We enjoyed our self-made barbecue, which provided a perfect opportunity to relax and bond over delicious food. These activities not only enhanced our skills and teamwork but also provided a perfect balance of work and strengthening our team spirit, making the second NEONEX Power Days an unforgettable experience. We’re looking forward to applying what we’ve learned and achieving our goals with newly gained energy! #NEONEX #powerdays #team

How is AI shaping the future of manufacturing? In our latest article for German magazine blechnet, we dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence for the sheet metal industry. As the manufacturing landscape evolves, AI emerges as a promising tool for driving innovation and operational performance. The article covers several key aspects: > 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The first step in leveraging AI is establishing a robust data and digitalization framework to capture and store essential data, enabling a horizontally connected production system. > 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: AI can help to significantly improve process efficiency by continuously optimizing tolerance values. It enhances error detection in high-speed stamping, optimizes material usage, and reduces setup times in forming and bending processes. Descriptive AI can also help to optimize inline inspections, reducing disruptions and rework, and ensuring a continuous quality process. > 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹: Generative AI systems can be trained to provide insights and suggest process parameters, helping employees to make data-driven decisions that improve quality and efficiency. > 𝗛𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀: By combining the strengths of human workers and AI systems, companies can tackle routine, data-intensive tasks with AI, while human workers focus on complex decision-making, thus improving overall efficiency and working conditions. > 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Companies that implement AI technologies early gain a significant competitive edge, with AI providing substantial benefits in process efficiency, material reduction, and quality improvement. Read the full article to see how AI can revolutionize your manufacturing operations and deliver measurable improvements through the link in the comments below. #AI #IndustrialAI #SmartFactory

Join us for the next NEONEX Smart Factory Tour on October 22nd and 23rd, 2024! Here’s what it's about: During this exclusive two-day tour, you'll visit digital transformation pioneers, gaining firsthand insights into how Smart Factories are revolutionizing operational performance. This tour includes visits to: 🏭 GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG in Mindelheim 🏭 ifm in Tettnang 🏭 DMG MORI in Pfronten Through the visits and a complementary NEONEX workshop, you will gain insights into how other companies are embracing the digital transformation of operations, boosting their effectiveness and efficiency by integrating lean thinking with digital technologies. The direct comparison and discussion with other participants will provide you with valuable insights on how to successfully initiate the digital transformation of your company and embark on the journey to a Smart Factory. To achieve this goal, our journey includes: > 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 > 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 > 𝗜𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 Want to know more? Check the link in the comments to dive into the details and sign up! #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation #OperationalExcellence

How can CIOs effectively support a Digital Transformation of Operations?    In his latest article for the German magazine it-daily.net | IT-Verlag GmbH , Dr. Peter Stephan shares valuable strategies for CIOs to effectively support a digital transformation of Operations:    𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Foster continuous dialogue between IT and Operations to align goals and understand business cases.   𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: Develop a shared terminology to enhance communication and avoid misunderstandings. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Co-create flexible, scalable IT solutions that fulfill both IT and Operations requirements.   𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Involve Operations in the software selection process to ensure acceptance and alignment with business needs.   𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Enable quick and easy application development with low-code/no-code platforms to enhance operational efficiency.   Read the full article to explore how these strategies can elevate your organization's digital transformation journey. Find the link to the article in the comments below. #CIO #Operations #DigitalTransformation

In today's fast-paced world, staying ahead of the competition means transforming your operations for more efficiency and competitiveness. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation is therefore crucial. Here are 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 that can help you make the difference: 1.  𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: Develop a shared vision for your smart factory that aligns with your company’s strategy. Make sure everyone uses the same language to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clear communication. 2.  𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Involve all employees to identify where improvement potentials can be found in production, logistics, and business processes. Prioritize these opportunities in a roadmap to gain traction for the implementation. 3.  𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀: Align your IT strategy with planned use cases, ensuring the requirements for data usage and connectivity are defined. Consider using a flexible IT architecture that supports both comprehensive solutions like MES and agile low-code platforms for rapid development of smaller use cases. 4.  𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Utilize agile project management with short, iterative sprints to be able to adapt to changes quickly. Keep everyone informed with a solid communication strategy using internal channels and showcases. 5.  𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹-𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Develop pilot use cases to a ready-to-deploy-status. Then roll them out with dedicated roll-out teams. Ensure that all use cases are fully rolled out, leveraging synergies across departments and production systems. Maintain a continuous improvement process through feedback loops. > These structured steps will help you to succeed in a digital transformation, resulting in real-time process transparency, reduced manual tasks, increased flexibility, and higher customer satisfaction – to name a few benefits. #NEONEX #DigitalTransformation #FutureReady

Manufacturing companies face a major transformation in 2024 and beyond, driven by the latest trends depicted in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree. One key area of focus is Robotics & Automation, which has been a crucial field for efficiency gains for years. However, new technologies open up new possibilities for manufacturers. Let’s take a closer look at the transformative trends within this category that will reshape industrial operations: > 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 Imagine a production environment with minimal human intervention. Autonomous dark factories use AI, robotics and intelligent sensors to create a closed-loop system that maximizes efficiency and sustainability. This trend is no longer futuristic but a reality already being implemented by forward-thinking companies. Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3 - 5 years > 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 This trend marks a significant advancement in how humans and robots interact. By using AI-driven predictive capabilities and motion pattern recognition, advanced robotics enable smooth and intuitive collaboration. This synergy not only improves efficiency but also addresses the demographic challenges of an aging workforce by making industrial tasks easier. Transformative Impact: Medium Implementation Timeframe: 1 - 3 years > 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 The use of autonomously guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated mobile robots (AMRs) is changing the way material is handled. These advanced systems improve efficiency in production and warehouse settings by adapting to complex layouts on their own, optimizing material transport, and boosting overall productivity and flexibility. Transformative Impact: Low Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year These advancements in Robotics & Automation not only promise to transform production processes but also tackle critical issues like labor shortages and the need for sustainable practices. By adopting these trends, companies can ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience in the ever-changing industrial landscape. In the coming months, we will explore the remaining key trends listed in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree in detail. However, you can get an in-depth look at all the trends right now by accessing the complete report on our website. Find the link in the comments below. #NEONEX #robotics #automation

Transforming manufacturing processes is a challenging task. Pepperl+Fuchs Gruppe, leading manufacturer of industrial sensors and explosion protection technology, aimed to enhance efficiency through making faster, data-based decisions, and encouraging teamwork across different departments by achieving smart operations. To achieve these goals, Pepperl+Fuchs worked with us to create a Smart Manufacturing Roadmap. This project brought significant advantages: > 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽: A clear and actionable roadmap was created, featuring evaluated, prioritized use cases for global implementation. > 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: A robust IT architecture was defined, and relevant systems were selected to ensure a standardized and scalable implementation of applications worldwide. > 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵: The roadmap provided a transparent transformation path with necessary resources, roles, and responsibilities clearly outlined. The project encompassed several significant sub-projects, where each one contributed to the overall success: 1.   Smart Factory Qualification Bootcamp: Established a unified understanding and vocabulary among the core team through a four-day remote management training. 2.   Smart Factory Potential Analysis: Identification of 109 optimization potentials, leading to 42 actionable use cases across two representative production sites in the Czech Republic and Singapore. 3.   Data Management Assessment: Evaluated current data management practices and readiness for advanced analytics, resulting in a clear vision for future data governance. 4.   Connectivity and Resilience Check: Assessed IT/OT connectivity and resilience, highlighting best practices and local variations. 5.   IT-System Landscape and Architecture Review: Reviewed and defined a future-proof IT architecture tailored to Pepperl+Fuchs’ future needs. 6.   Ranking and ROI Calculation: Prioritized use cases based on ROI, creating a strategic implementation roadmap. 7.   Smart Factory Tour: Provided hands-on inspiration through visits to industry leaders Bosch and DMG MORI, showcasing advanced use cases and IT architectures. 8.   Roadmapping and Program Setup: Developed a detailed implementation roadmap, including system choices and sequencing of use cases. 9.   MES Selection Process: Efficiently selected a modular MES system through a structured assessment, ensuring it fulfilled all functional and non-functional requirements. This structured approach and expertise enabled Pepperl+Fuchs to start their digital transformation journey confidently, leading to enhanced efficiency, better decision-making, and a future-ready organization. #NEONEX #SmartManufacturing #DigitalTransformation

How can a Smart Factory boost the competitiveness of electronics manufacturers? In his latest article for the German magazine Elektrotechnik, our Managing Director Thomas Rohrbach discusses the journey from gaining high machine connectivity to achieving significant P&L benefits. In short: Proper data utilization and strategic digital transformation lead to enhanced efficiency, better capacity planning, and a more agile workforce. By reading the article, you’ll learn about the essential steps, from structured process design to effective IT system implementation, and how involving employees ensures the success of these initiatives. On a higher level, Thomas Rohrbach describes that transforming operations requires a concrete roadmap, the structured identification of improvement potentials, and the joint development of a future-ready production network. Find the full article through the link in the comments below. #SmartFactory #FutureReady