Smart manufacturing can be defined as the combination of the smart use of people’s capabilities, the smart use of technology and the deployment of a (self-) learning production system. Smart manufacturing entities focus on customer-oriented product quality, service, delivery times and reliability through a shop-floor organisation that is flexible, digitalized, automated and fully connected with the organisation and the value chain. The purpose is to create maximum efficiency, flexibility and value creation of machine operators and employees on the shop-floor.
Human-machine interaction
The company designs its shop floor processes so that they can exploit the full potential offered by user-friendly, automated, intelligent and flexible human-machine interaction, ranging from digitally connected machines to using real-time connected info carriers, cobots, robots.
Manufacturing planning & control processes
The company uses self-managed manufacturing and quality control systems to 'organise for complexity', i.e. being able to adapt quickly to changing orders and customer request without always having to go to ‘rush order’ status. Smart manufacturing KPI’s are used as an essential monitoring and improvement tool for the shop-floor to support high levels of productivity and flexibility.