Tool Circuit and Machine Connection

At the end of October, around 60 international industrial companies gathered for the International TDM User Meeting 2013 at Krones in Neutraubling. The renowned packaging and bottling machine manufacturer, itself a user of the Tool Data Management Software at its production sites, served as an ideal platform for the event. In addition to case study reports from BAE Systems and Krones, the focus was primarily on allowing users to share their experiences and ideas.

The highlight of every User Meeting is the case study presentations, in which TDM customers show how they use the system and explain which of their functions and processes TDM handles or supports. The presentation by Christian Loipeldinger, Head of Logistics Management at Krones, and Heinz Wührer-Kirner, CAM Administrator at Krones, provided plenty of material for discussion and prompted a lively exchange of experiences. Both Krones experts emphasized that value added can only be maximized if resources are optimally planned or virtually managed at the production level. Wührer-Kirner explained just how deeply integrated CAM systems are in the production processes currently in place at Krones. "The topic of tool data management is entering a new phase. In the past, the focus was on managing tool data. Now, simulation and data transfer are at the forefront," says the CAM administrator. "At Krones, we identified the trend early on and are already in the implementation process," he adds. However, he says, this is only possible if both CAM and production systems work with the same tool data. Krones uses TDM as central knowledge hub between NX, SAP, Zoller presetters and Kardex shuttles. This key function was a deciding factor in 2005 when the software was first introduced. Back then, TDM Systems was the only software company that could provide interfaces to NX and SAP. Forming
the basis for this system is the TDM tool database, along with modules and functions for managing tool data and creating graphics. At the shop floor level, the focus is on organized tool crib and tool circuit.

Industry 4.0 within reach
Advanced Shop floor management was, in fact, one of the main themes of the User Meeting. "Our goal is to further complete the tool cycle to include PLM and DNC integration. We have Industry 4.0 firmly in our
sights," explains Thomas Mücke, Senior Business Solution Consultant at TDM Systems GmbH, regarding future strategy. Users are well aware that Industry 4.0 is virtually inconceivable without digital tool data. "We're
currently being driven by issues such as Industry 4.0 and MES and are looking for reliable future partners who can help us navigate this path effectively. That was the main focus for me at the User Meeting," says Markus Frank, Production Support Manager at Mindelheim-based machine builder Grob. And he expounded further: "For me, the topic of machine DNC connection was interesting. We are currently in the selection process with a MES System, and today we really saw what the complete chain should look like, and how data should flow through the
different interfaces. Main topic is to ensure an integrated information flow between measurement systems, tool crib management systems, machine connection systems and NC post-processors. The subject carrying along tool technology data via TDM from the machine with a PDCA cycle is a completely new concept for us. In that regard, the User Meeting was an excellent platform for learniWomens Running Shoes & Running Clothes