Achenbach Buschhütten, a leading manufacturer of aluminium rolling mill technology, set out to deliver more value beyond machine delivery. Together with SOTEC, we set up OPTILINK – a cloud-based platform that turns machine data into actionable insights. scitis.io ensures smooth and reliable operation of the platform, helping Achenbach enable smarter processes, remote monitoring, and new service-driven business models.
In order to ensure customer satisfaction even after a machine has been delivered, Achenbach needs to improve the insight into the operation of their products.
scitis helped Achenbach set up OPTILINK – a cloud platform that continuously collects live data from the production line. It delivers insights into process efficiency and detects potential interruptions.
OPTILINK now allows Achenbach to remotely monitor and maintain their delivered machines – eventually providing their customers with a knowledge base for process optimization and helping them to reach their product goals.
Live in-production quality monitoring
Product quality is critical in paper roll production. Until recently, it could only be assessed through samples taken after the process — too late to intervene effectively in case of deviations.
Available sensor data from the machines is used to build a virtual sensor that predicts key quality parameters during production — with a <5% error margin.
The AI's enhanced prediction capabilities allow for parameters to be changed more promptly and throughout production. This enables resource-efficient production which precisely matches the required quality.
Lorenz had already exhausted traditional methods of cost optimization on their snack production lines. A new approach was needed — one driven by digital insights.
Cloud-based machine data collection was implemented to detect faulty machine behavior, overdue maintenance, and component failures in real time.
Lorenz’s management now leverages these insights for strategic decisions across production and product portfolio. The result: single-digit percentage savings and a more efficient manufacturing process.