With its applications, the LDC fits seamlessly into the user's everyday life without changing the previous workflow. Because the LDC is designed as a web-based application, no additional software needs to be installed. The software is workplace-independent, cloud-capable and can be accessed via any internet-capable end device. The software, including the applications themselves, is located on a box PC that is conveniently connected ("plug & play") to the machine and the PLC data interface via a network connection.
The LDC enables production managers, maintenance staff and operators to monitor all production parameters, machine availability and speed, production quality, and to obtain evaluations of historical periods and error logging in the form of a shift book. This shift book becomes a knowledge database through the various entries over the years, including recommendations for action in the event of recurring faults. In this way, the LDC contributes to the transfer of knowledge within the company.
LDC creates basis for data-driven and evidence-based process optimisation
Through the permanent monitoring and evaluation of the data, production losses can be identified and thus data-driven possible improvements in product quality and process flows can be initiated. "Above all, the recorded downtimes and scrap rates always provide our customers with a starting point for process optimisation. The whole thing is done digitally and evidence-based with the LDC, because data doesn't lie. This replaces analogue defect recording via paper and pencil with a reliable digital solution and creates the basis for transparent production," explains Mario Köninger, who is responsible for the development of the LDC together with Jens Maier at Laempe.
The current version of the LDC, which has been continuously developed since its introduction four years ago, will be presented at GIFA. For example, new apps and functions are being further developed, including an "EnergyApp". Among other things, this allows consumption to be recorded and displayed, and preventive maintenance and thus expected downtimes to be planned.
The standard applications of the LDC and their functions at a glance:
- Monitoring: Here, all machine and operating data are displayed in real time and with history, depending on the machine and plant type. The application is generically structured and can be expanded to include additional sensors and their measured value recording.
- Production report: The overview shows the number of production cycles per hour. The current day and the previous days are displayed. The colour-coded values show the values of the current hour. The data, which is available in real time and objective, forms the basis for problem-oriented analysis and optimisation.
- Availability: The application shows the distribution of production availability including the display of downtimes. In addition, all production-dependent downtimes can be defined according to an individually designed error catalogue. A statistical evaluation is automatically generated for this purpose.
- Logbook: All shift book entries are documented here. When creating a new entry, the entry category is defined in advance: Malfunction or Maintenance. In addition, problem and solution as well as shift and cause can be documented. This offers the advantage that if a malfunction occurs again, the shift logbook can be searched for an existing entry and the solution documented there can be applied.
In addition, the applications for OEE, mixer data and fault tracking can still be installed.
