What innovations in networking and automation is Vecoplan presenting at the trade fair and how will customers benefit?
Dirk Müller:
As a leading manufacturer of machinery and systems, we see great potential in the digitalisation and networking of our shredding and sorting systems: to increase their efficiency, save costs and ensure the long-term competitiveness of our customers.
This year, we will be presenting the new generation of our VTH drum chippers and VHZ wood shredders, our Vecoplan Smart Centre and exciting remote services.
How does the Vecoplan Smart Centre (VSC) work?
Dirk Müller:
At its core, the VSC is a comprehensive digitalisation solution. By connecting machines via networked infrastructure, various system parameters can be continuously recorded, evaluated and optimised.
The VSC is essentially based on two components: The VSC.control, an intuitive operating panel that serves as an interface between the operator and the machine. And the VSC.connect online platform, which provides access to our digital services. These include remote access, online commissioning, KPI monitoring and a media database.
With VSC.connect.notification.push, we can send automatic push messages to a smartphone, smartwatch - or by email - to operators and production managers so that they can intervene as quickly as possible in the event of a fault message. Notifications can be customised and adapted to the respective information requirements. Customers can also receive automated reports on their system statuses at regular intervals.
The VSC offers the following functions and benefits:
- Process data, remote service and maintenance information enable remote fault diagnosis and rectification.
- Real-time monitoring and analysis: Relevant machine and system data is displayed via a dashboard - including KPIs and historical data.
- Visual inspection: Integrated cameras enable remote inspections without having to be on site.
- Media & documentation database: Easy access to data, instructions, tutorials or maintenance videos facilitates operation and maintenance.
- Notifications: Warnings or fault messages can be sent automatically to the operator's end devices. Using VSC.connect.notification.push, they then receive push messages on their smartphone, a smart watch or an email notification.
- Online commissioning: New machines can also be commissioned remotely - simplified and accelerated.
- Flexible integration: The system can be integrated into both new and existing systems.
How can the Vecoplan Smart Centre be used to reduce the operating costs of a wood shredder, for example?
Dirk Müller:
Remote monitoring can reduce costs by minimising downtime, as a quick response to faults without the need to travel increases availability. On-site technicians are rarely needed. The VSC can provide precise information on the machine status or remind you of maintenance intervals. Operators can then plan maintenance work as required and thus reduce downtimes.
"Remote diagnostics support faster troubleshooting.
Faults can be identified immediately and usually resolved without an on-site visit."
Dirk Müller
Head of Wood | Biomass business unit
Does the VSC support the replacement of wear parts?
Dirk Müller:
The VSC.control panel provides operators with detailed instructions or videos on how to change wear parts directly on the machine. Step-by-step instructions reduce operating errors and speed up the process. And in the event of uncertainties or problems, one of our service experts can be called in via the VSC.connect module. The system monitors operating hours and helps to avoid unnecessary stockpiling of spare parts. The fault and maintenance history also makes it possible to fully trace previous replacements.
Can the VSC also help with the removal of interfering substances from a VHZ wood shredder?
Dirk Müller:
In conjunction with vibration monitoring, the VSC can recognise anomalies that indicate impurities and suggest suitable measures to rectify them. The operators then control the ejection process via the VSC.control operating panel. They receive clear instructions on how to safely remove the contaminants without interrupting operation unnecessarily. In the case of complex contaminant situations, a service technician can also support the process remotely.
What data can be monitored by networking a VTH drum chipper, for example?
Dirk Müller:
By networking a VTH drum chipper with VSC.connect, machine data can also be recorded and visualised here. This includes key performance indicators such as throughput, energy consumption and capacity utilisation, as well as machine status and faults. Work carried out, settings and operating parameters such as speeds or cutting crown changes are documented.
Various data and KPIs can be monitored via VSC.connect
- Productivity and throughput: The system shows in real time how much material is being processed and how efficiently a machine is running.
- Energy consumption: The current and historical energy consumption of a system is recorded.
- Machine status and utilisation: Data on runtime, utilisation and any downtimes help to maximise availability.
- Fault & warning messages: The system can report faults, malfunctions and pending maintenance directly to the machine operator.
- Maintenance data: Information on upcoming maintenance is displayed. Documented maintenance data is used to analyse historical operating data.
- Key performance indicators and data can be visualised via a dashboard and used for targeted optimisation.
What role does the VSC play in predictive and digital maintenance?
Dirk Müller:
The VSC really does play a central role in preventing maintenance failures. Digital maintenance and data-based and predictive measures save resources and can also extend the service life of machines and systems. The condition of machines is continuously monitored. Automatic warning messages or maintenance instructions make it possible to carry out maintenance work in good time - before unplanned downtime occurs. In this way, the VSC ensures predictable and condition-orientated maintenance.
What types of machines is the Vecoplan Smart Centre suitable for?
Dirk Müller:
The VSC is designed to be flexible and can be used for different types of machines. Remote access via VSC.connect and our Remote Services make it possible to retrieve and analyse different operating data. And our service technicians can often rectify a wide range of faults directly from a distance, which increases productivity in all types of system.
Modular solutions such as separation or conveyor technology therefore also benefit from the digital functions for monitoring, remote maintenance and process optimisation. The VSC is therefore also suitable for recycling and waste management applications.
Vecoplan now offers the VSC as standard in many new machines and also makes it easy to retrofit older systems - the VSC.control operating panel and the VSC.connect platform can be adapted to specific requirements so that users can benefit from the advantages of digitalisation regardless of the type of machine.
Easy retrofitting and modernisation of existing systems
We offer economically viable retrofit solutions for existing and ageing systems. This means that existing customers can also benefit from the advantages of digitalisation and our remote services without having to invest in new machines straight away. This brings numerous advantages:
- Cost efficiency: retrofitting is cheaper than buying new. Maintenance and servicing costs as well as spare parts stocking and logistics can be optimised and the service life of components and systems extended.
- Remote maintenance and monitoring: Our service technicians can use secure connections to access machines, diagnose and rectify faults, optimise settings or install software updates.
- Operator support: Instructions, tutorials or error analyses are directly available. Operating errors are minimised, which reduces consequential damage.
- Future-proof: Modernisation of the control technology enables ...
- Increased productivity: Data-based optimisations increase production volumes.
- Increased system availability: Fast fault diagnostics reduce downtime.
