Digitalizing business processes and integrating systems are the first steps along the road to Industrie 4.0. The uses that well-integrated processes can already be put to are demonstrated by two different examples at Digital Factory 2017.

"The evolution from embedded systems to complex cyber-physical systems needs to be supported by ERP systems and MES ," is the slogan at PSI Automotive & Industry GmbH (formerly PSIPENTA). This software provider presents a scenario in Hall 7 (Stand A24) for dynamic production scheduling and control made up of integrated product modules from the PSI group. "The trade fair scenario has been tailored to the complex demands of made-to-order and batch production and takes into account the high degree of order customization and the large range of customers needs – even at short notice," states PSI Automotive & Industry. "The solution demonstrates production planning optimized for KPIs and is complemented by a system for anticipatory maintenance."

In Hall 6 – the new location of Additive Manufacturing – Arburg is presenting another pioneering Industrie 4.0 application at Stand K16: According to the principle of flexible automated production in smart factories, the machine builder will construct "smart", customized luggage tags right before the viewers’ eyes. "The exhibit illustrates spatially separate, efficient production of one-off lot sizes using 4.0 modules from Arburg," says the company.

To produce them, an all-round injection molding machine is combined with a freeformer for industrial additive manufacturing. By scanning their business cards, visitors can record their personal information either directly with Arburg or at the stand of a notable customer. The data is deposited on an NFC chip and placed in the product. "This turns injection molded mass production components into carriers of information that can control their further production and customization with the freeformer itself," explains Arburg. The central computer system designed by the company records product, process and quality data and forwards it to a web server. Finally, the data from every luggage tag is archived on a proprietary website and is available and traceable at any time – even after many years. According to Arburg this provides "transparency throughout the entire manufacturing process."