Three digital twins to tackle tomorrow’s production needs

After nearly a decade of Industry 4.0, factories are still at the very start of the digital transformation in many areas. So, what is needed to drive the progress of smart production? The answer is an understanding of the three digital twins and their structure and networking in data-consistent ecosystems. The new edition of “be top” shows how Rittal, Eplan, Cideon and German Edge Cloud are using their domain knowledge to help companies achieve just this. Furthermore, the Group magazine presents a new approach by Stahlo for the carbon tracking of supply chains in terms of steel, and shows how LKH is optimising the value creation process for plastic components.

Herborn, 07 November 2022 – What is the status quo and which challenges and opportunities are the digital transformation in industry currently raising? The magazine’s readers receive evaluations and assessments with Professor Oliver Riedel, Director of the Fraunhofer IAO, and Markus Asch, CEO of Rittal International and Rittal Software Systems in the title interview. The cover story shows how the networking of three digital twins – the digital twins of the plant (“automation twin”), the “product twin,” and the twin of the manufacturing process (the “production twin”) – helps to optimise transparency and thus efficiency in production processes. The Friedhelm Loh Group companies can support this with their respective domain knowledge.

Eplan and Rittal are working with panel builders and switchgear/machine manufacturers to advance the development of the digital twin of machines and systems, and are enabling the data to be used at an operational level. Cideon is improving digital continuity in the digital product twin context with its CAD/CAM, PDM/PLM and product configuration expertise. German Edge Cloud is using this data to speed up system networking and visualise processes in the form of a digital manufacturing twin. IIoT-assisted production management then makes manufacturing smarter.

A new partnership: GEC and Scheer PAS

In an article about the new partnership between German Edge Cloud and Scheer PAS, readers will also learn how manufacturing processes can be digitised more quickly. These two companies already offer an IIoT platform with microservices and low-code technology. Consequently, applications and adjustments should be possible without any extensive IT knowledge.

Carbon tracking for “green steel”

Another look into the future is provided in the article “carbon tracking of green steel.” Stahlo is presenting a concept for strengthening trust in the ecosystem of future “green” supply chains with the “SteelGate” blockchain application.

Greater speed in engineering

The Eplan Platform 2023 opens up an entirely new scope for electrical engineering. This edition of “be top” shows how engineering is speeding up and the opportunities for collaboration are increasing. Thanks to the new 3D graphics engine, users benefit from faster speeds and more convenience for 3D enclosure models.

Cool when the heat is on

The article about "Harry Brot," Germany's largest mass producer of baked goods, shows that things really are heating up. Despite a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, the machines and switchgear have to function without a hitch at the bakery in Soltau, Germany. Excellent test conditions for the new Blue e+ S cooling units from Rittal.

Other topics in this issue include:

• “New depth of focus in monitoring”: Paessler and Rittal with a joint IT and OT monitoring solution for data centres
• “Full in 60 minutes”: Charging stations in Cologne public transport utilities
• “Caution – supply bottleneck!”: Challenges at the BEUMER Group and Blumenbecker
• “Time for a makeover?”: Eplan speeds up planning, operation and maintenance at sto.
• “Not tied to the power grid”: Tesvolt battery storage with Rittal enclosure systems
• “A handle on heating maintenance”: LKH supports Viessmann in optimising plastic products
• “When inside the box is outside the box”: BFSA uses robots in Rittal enclosures.
• “Rays of hope for people in need”: How the Debora Foundation is involved in India.